A total of 7 528 teachers and 131 public servants employed by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) took part in industrial action today (Friday, 25 May 2007).

These numbers represent 25.2% of 29 866 teachers and 1.6% of 8 301 public servants employed by the department.

District offices in the seven education districts submitted reports today indicating teacher participation in industrial action ranging from 7.8% in the Metropole Central to 74% in Metropole East.

Districts reported that the following numbers of teachers participated in industrial action, with the percentage they represent of the total numbers of teachers employed in the districts:

• Metropole Central: 208 (7.8%)
• Metropole North: 844 (20.4%)
• Metropole South: 1 090 (estimate) (24%)
• Metropole East: 3 018 (74%)
• West Coast/Winelands: 1 327 (38.5%)
• Breede River/Overberg: 737 (26%)
• South Cape/Karoo: 304 (10)

By 10h00 this morning, strike action affected bout 60% of schools in the Metropole East District. All schools in the Metropole Central District appeared to operating normally. The strike affected 32% of schools in Metropole North.

The West Coast/Winelands District reported that one school had closed. The strike significantly affected 10 schools in the Breede River/Overberg District (4%). The South ape/Karoo District reported that the strike affected 35% of schools, and that one school had closed.

The WCED will continue to monitor industrial action closely and has developed contingency plans to deal with situations as they arise in schools and departmental offices.