THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION of the three-day long conference of Representative Council of Learners yesterday is a significant step towards the finalization of the provincial association of learners.

The conference, which started on Monday 26 September, brought together more than 300 learners from all seven education districts of the Western Cape.

Representative Councils of Learners are provided for in the SA Schools Act and other legislation. In many of our schools across the province, RCLs exist and function in varying degrees.

However, this is the first time ever that they have met on this basis, and it was evident that the learners welcomed this opportunity.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) welcomes the election of the interim body. We look forward to be working with the learners in pursuit of our vision of building a Learning Home for All.

Whilst this is our vision, the provincial government has adopted an economic development plan, Ikapa Elihlumayo, to arrive at this vision. Developing human and social capital are key objectives of Ikapa Elihlumayo. The formation of the provincial RCL represents a key step in developing capacity and networks.

This is an exciting opportunity for the learners themselves to mould their leadership and organizational skills, and be a partner in the building of a democratic quality public education system.

The interim council will work towards the finalization of the constitution, policies, budget and programme of action, and the finalization of a duly elected provincial executive council.

The interim council reflects the profile of all the schools in the province, and, significantly, half are girls. This clearly is a positive step in building an equal society.

Many challenges await the body, but the WCED is committed to ensure that it is able to deliver on its basic mandate, and in doing so, assist in fostering a culture of democracy from an early age.

The first elected Interim Chairperson is Albertus Duba from Cape Town High School. The other members are:

Breede River/Overberg EMDC
    Langeberg Secondary:   Ryan Africa
    Robertson High School:   Lerié Louw
    Emil Weder High School:   Irwill Adonis
    Pionier School:   Stevencia Schippers

Metropole North EMDC
    Edgemead High:   Sibongakonke Mama
    Buren:   Eilhaam Moose
    Bellvile South:   Ernest van Sitters
    Bishop Lavis:   Hilton Packies

Metropole East EMDC
    Matthew Goniwe:   Neliswa Tamte
    Bernadino Heights:   Dominique Wesso
    Hector Petersen:   Xolisa Sgam
    Bulumko:   Benjamin Zantsi

Metropole Central EMDC
    Cape Town High:   Albertus Duba
    Belgravia High:   Wiesaal Toefy
    Queens Park High:   Calvin Klein
    Alexander Sinton:   Tasneem Shadrach

Metropole South
    Sibelius:   Gillion Bosman
    Sophumelela:   Amanda Filtane
    Gugs Comprehensive:   Thulani Masinda
    Mondale High:   Nathalie Nutt

West Coast/Winelands EMDC
    Bloemhof Meisiesskool:   Gescha Davids
    Uitkyk Primary:   William Muller
    Hoërskool Swartland:   Gerhard van Eeden
    Hoërskool Hopefield:   Ronel Muller

South Cape/Karoo EMDC
    Indwe:   Lumkwana Luvuyo
    Knysna Secondary:   Josephine Jacobs
    George High:   Luzaan Dudley
    Bastiaanse High:   Denwill Smith

For enquiries, contact Gert Witbooi: 082 550 3938, or gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za.