Statement by Ibrahim Rasool, Premier of the Western Cape

Western Cape Premier Ebrahim Rasool says he is pleased with the smooth start to the new school year.

Speaking during a visit to the brand new Manyano High School in Khayelitsha today(Wedn), Premier Rasool said that whilst there were some glitches there was an overwhelming sense that the first day of school was free of major problems.

Given that the Western Cape had in 2007 again achieved the highest matric pass rate amongst all provinces, the "boring start" to the 2008 school year was a good sign that government was delivering education which was starting to make a difference to the quality of people's lives in the Western Cape.

"I am quite pleased with the way in which the new school year has started in the Western Cape and so I want to express my satisfaction and appreciation to the province's MEC for Education, Cameron Dugmore, and the entire education department," said Premier Rasool.

He said the good start to the school year would "bode well for education and, ultimately, for the quality of people's lives."

"We reached another milestone in the Western Cape by ensuring that we had 100% delivery of text books and stationery on the first day of school.

"Here at Manyano High School, the principal has told us that they are going to start learning immediately as they are sitting with their bags of text books and stationery so, on the first day of school they are ready to commence with the curriculum.

"That is an amazing milestone, not only for Manyano High School but for the entire Western Cape province."

"We also had 98% delivery of furniture at our new schools and that is very good," Rasool said.

Seven new schools had opened on time in the Western Cape whilst two were not yet ready for the first day of school, he said.

Also, 747 new teachers had started work in the province.

The Education Department had, however, reported some problems related to overcrowding, transport in rural areas and vandalism.

"On the first day of school, 21 out of the 1 500 schools in the province have been affected by vandalism which took place over the school holidays."

Another "interesting development" which had cropped up in the Western Cape was an increase in the demand for English medium classes.

"It is clear to us that what we are going to need to do is to introduce more English classes - that is what we discovered with the registration process."

On a lighter note, Premier Rasool said: "The other positive report is that there has been a significant reduction of tears amongst Grade One pupils. We have shifted the shedding of tears to Grade R so there is a dramatic statistical reduction of tears in grade 1."

* Education MEC Cameron Dugmore, who visited several schools today, also expressed his satisfaction with the opening of schools and expressed satisfaction that there had not been any major hiccups in the Western Cape.

For enquiries, contact Shado Twala, Premier's spokesperson, 083 640 6771 or Gert Witbooi: 082 550 3938, or gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za.

Website: www.capegateway.gov.za

The Western Cape - A Home for All
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