Learners at severely damaged the principal’s car while protesting at Qhayiya Secondary School in Zwelihle, Hermanus, today (Tuesday, 3 October 2006).

The smashed the windows of the vehicle and overturned it, according to an initial report from the scene.

The learners are believed to be protesting at the decision of the school not to renew the contract of a teacher. The contract expired at the end of September.

The school reported the protest to the Breede River/Overberg Education Management and Development Centres (EMDC) of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).

The Circuit Manager, Mr John Philander, and the Safe Schools Coordinator for the district, Mr Randall Marais, went to Qhayiya immediately on hearing of the situation at the school.

On arrival, they found about 300 learners protesting in the school grounds. The situation appeared to be chaotic. The principal and staff remained the in the principal’s office and staff room.

By midday, it did not appear to be safe to enter the school or for the staff to leave the school through the school grounds.

By 13h30, the situation had clamed down, but the WCED officials and the police decided to allow time for the learners to leave the school grounds before starting their investigation.

The officials will inspect the school to assess damage caused by learners during the protest.

Mr Philander will recommend that the school remains closed today and tomorrow, to allow emotions to settle. The WCED will fully investigate in the incident.

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