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Media Release

3 March, 2006

WCED mourns the loss of principal and two teachers

Statement by Cameron Dugmore, MEC for Education in the Western Cape

We are devastated at the news of the deaths of the principal and two teachers from Ruigtevlei Primary School, Karatara, near Knysna, yesterday (Thursday, 2 March 2006).

Our hearts go out to the families, friends and colleagues of Henry Mowers, the principal, and two teachers, Pearl Williams and Charmaine Avery.

All three educators are known for their excellent work in this poor community. Their loss has left a gap in the life of this community that will be impossible to fill.

We deeply appreciate the support that the broader community and support services have given to the school.

The three educators died in a motor accident while travelling together on the N2 near Buffels Bay yesterday afternoon.

A large contingent from our South Cape/Karoo Education Management and Development Centre (EMDC) joined other caregivers at the school this morning to provide moral and counseling support for the school community.

These included Bishop Donald Harker, Bishop of the local diocese of the Anglican Church, a priest, the local Rotary Club and the police.

The school secretary, Ina October, has played a key role in mobilising parents and community support.

Bishop Harker led a memorial service at the school this morning. About 40 parents and their children attended the service, along with family members of the deceased.

The WCED contingent included the Director of Education for the district, Bonnie Sesenyamotse, a school psychologist and a social worker, who will provide counseling support, in conjunction with other agencies.

Meanwhile, the EMDC has appointed an acting principal who will join the school on Monday (6 March 2006), along with two teachers. The school, one of the poorest in the area, accommodates 88 learners.

We mourn the loss of our colleagues at Ruigtevlei. We will honour them by doing all we can to build on their legacy.


Issued by:
Paddy Attwell
Director: Communication
Western Cape Education Department
Tel: 021 467 2531
Fax: 021 461 3694
Email: pattwell@pgwc.gov.za

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