Statement by Yousuf Gabru, MEC for Education in the Western Cape

Yousuf Gabru, MEC for Education in the Western Cape, is confident that most learners who are entering Grades 1 or 8 next year, or who are changing schools, already have places in school.

He urged parents who have not enrolled their children at school to do so urgently, to prevent disappointment in case their school of choice is full.

Mr. Gabru stated that some schools receive large numbers of applications and may not be able to accommodate all applicants.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) embarked on a school enrolment campaign in October to remind parents not to leave enrolment to the last minute.

The WCED wants to ensure that teaching starts on the first day of the new school year. Schools are also planning for next year and need to know how many learners they have to cater for.

The campaign included radio advertisements on five radio stations over two weeks. The WCED placed advertisements in 13 community newspapers and two dailies and distributed 500 000 leaflets at key commuter points.

A panel van, equipped with loudspeakers on the roof and displaying the toll free number for enrolment queries, toured "hot spot" areas to urge parents to enroll their children as soon as possible.

Mr Gabru advised parents who have found it difficult to place their children to contact the department via a toll-free helpline at 0800 200 506.

The MEC advised parents on their rights and responsibilities when it came to enrolling their children and paying school fees.

Many schools in poor communities are "no fee" schools and as such parents residing in these areas do not have the added financial stress of having to worry about paying for their children's education. Parents who cannot afford to pay school fees at fee-paying schools can apply for full, conditional or partial exemption and schools must assist parents in this regard.

Mr Gabru however appealed to parents who can afford to pay schools fees to meet their obligations.

He said that school admission policy is governed by the Constitution and several Acts of Parliament.

School governing bodies determine admission policy in terms of Section 5(5) of the South African Schools Act and this policy must be consistent with all relevant legislation.

The Western Cape Provincial School Education Act states that the admission policy of a public school and the administration of admissions by the Department must not unfairly discriminate against an applicant in any way. Moreover, the admission policy of a public school must complement the administrative processes of the Department.

The WCED has not determined any feeder zones for public schools in the province, but ideally learners who reside in an area or whose parents work in an area should be given preference. Mr Gabru also encouraged the integration of schools and said where practicable learners should have freedom of choice as to which school they attend.

A learner may not be withheld from writing an exam, suspended from classes, denied access to cultural, sporting or social activities of the school, denied a school report or transfer certificate, or otherwise victimized on the grounds that his or her parent

(a) is unable to pay or has not paid the required school fees

(b) does not subscribe to the mission statement and code of conduct of the school, or

(c) refused to enter into a contract in terms of which the parent waives any claim for damages arising from the education of the learner.

If an application for admission to a public school is refused, the school principal must, in writing, furnish reasons to the parent for such a decision.

The deliberations, when considering an admission application, will be on what is most reasonable, practical and fair and in the best interest of the learner.

If a learner has been refused admission to an ordinary public school, the parent may appeal to the Provincial Minister of Education (MEC) against the decision.

It is unlawful for a school to charge any pre-admission testing fees, administration fee or to conduct a psychological test on the applicant. Payment of any fees may be requested only after a learner has been accepted for admission to a school.

No application for admission may be turned down because a parent or learner cannot pay the annual school fee amount or part thereof. (School governing bodies must inform parents of their right to apply for full or partial exemption from school fees in accordance with Section 40 of the SASA and of the time within which such applications must be submitted. The school must assist parents in this regards.

For enquiries, contact Millicent Merton:  072 724 1422 or mmerton@pgwc.gov.za.

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

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