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

The strike affected most schools in the Western Cape today (Friday, 1 June 2007), according to initial reports to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).

The strike affected 70% of schools in the Metropole Central District. No schools closed, according to initial reports.

In the Metropole North District, the strike affected about 76% of schools, where about 54% of teachers went on strike. Thirty-six schools closed.

The strike affected about 80% of schools in the Metropole East District, where about 90% of teachers went on strike.

About 49% of teachers in the Metropole South District went on strike. Eighty-seven schools closed.

The strike affected about 70% of schools in the West Coast/Winelands District.

About 1500 teachers went on strike in the Overberg/Breede River District where 28 schools closed.

About 1 995 teachers joined the strike in the South Cape/Karoo District, where 82 schools closed.

Initial reports indicated that 425 staff in the head office and district offices joined the strike.

Schools are making various arrangements to accommodate internal June exams set by the schools. These include postponing the exams and seeking outside help for invigilation.

The WCED has made contingency plans should the strike affect common trial matric examinations at schools participating in the National Strategy for Learner Attainment (NSLA) programme. The exams start on Monday, 4 June 2007.

Matric candidates attending 34 schools that achieved matric pass rates of less than 60% last year are participating in the programme.

The exams do not form part of the candidates' assessment for the year. They provide an opportunity for candidates to learn more about the standards required for the end-of-year matric exams.

The WCED will use the results to gauge whether schools are covering the curriculum according to schedule, and to identify problems that may require special interventions during the third term.

The WCED has considered various options in the event of industrial action affecting the examinations. These include continuing with the examinations at schools not affected significantly or postponing examinations.

We have looked at various scenarios, and will implement appropriate measures, as required.

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

Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za

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