Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore this morning (11 May 2006) visited the Peak View Secondary School in Athlone, after an incident on Tuesday 09 May, in which a 14-year-old grade 9 learner sustained three stabbing wounds in his arm and biceps.

The learner has been admitted to the local clinic and meanwhile been discharged. The alleged perpetrator, a 15-year-old grade 8 learner has been suspended pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing and criminal investigation.

The stabbing incident took place after a group of learners, including the victim, confronted another group of learners because they were apparently smoking dagga on the school premises.

This morning, after meeting with the principal, senior personnel, representatives of the School Governing Body and Representative Learner Council, MEC Dugmore expressed satisfaction with the school and the ongoing programmes of building diversity and tolerance.

Immediate intervention programmes of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) include mediatory sessions to defuse anger, and a grade-approach to the racial tensions, focusing on diversity management.

As part of this, MEC Dugmore will be addressing the assembly of learners next week, as well as a special meeting with the parent community of the school.

Members of the RCL told the MEC of incidents of criminals and gangsters preying on young learners on their way home or to the taxi and bus ranks.

In another incident, members of the local community protected African learners from being attacked by criminals. So clearly, the problem is crime and not a racial issue.

Members of the school told the MEC that the school had a 20-year-old proud history of non-racialism, and that the school always accommodated all race groups. This incident is an isolated one. Officials of the WCED are confident that the situation is under control, and will remain calm.

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