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

Daniella de Wee, a Grade 12 learner at Hexvallei Secondary School, is believed to have drowned while on her way to school to write a matric exam yesterday (Wednesday, 12 November 2008).

She disappeared while on her way from the farm Dennegeur to write the Afrikaans Home Language Paper 3.

We believe she was crossing a river when the water dragged her off her feet and swept her away. Her body has not yet been found.

Yousuf Gabru, MEC for Education in the Western Cape, said he was deeply saddened to learn of this tragedy and that his thoughts are with her family and the school community.

Mr Robinson, the principal, said the matriculants were informed about the incident after they finished writing yesterday.

A counselor from the Cape Winelands Education District office of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) visited the school today to counsel learners.

The WCED is monitoring the impact of the weather closely and is working with schools on contingency plans.

The police had to transport two matriculants at Albert Myburgh Secondary in Bredasdorp with 4x4s from Napier.

School principals in affected areas have asked learners who are writing tomorrow to stay close to the schools in case roads are inaccessible.

In the Overberg, a tractor was used to help six matric candidates at Emil Weber Secondary in Genadendal to cross a river. The learners arrived between 15 and 30 minutes after the session started, but were allowed to write their papers.

A matric candidate on a farm between Caledon and Riviersonderend was totally cut off. The WCED made special arrangements for the candidate to write the exam. The department faxed the paper to the farm and appointed a pastor on the farm to invigilate.

As far as possible, WCED officials and principals have made alternative arrangements to transport matric to schools where necessary.

Meanwhile, a number of farm schools closed today because access roads were impassable.

Strong winds damaged the roof over seven classrooms at Simanyene Secondary School at Nomzamo in the Strand yesterday.

An official of the Metropole East Education District Office sent the learners home after finding cracks in some walls, which could have made the building concerned unsafe.

The incident affected internal exams, but not the matric exams taking place in the school hall. Learners returned to school this morning and occupied classes considered to be safe.

Water seepage has damaged the ceiling over nine rooms on the ground floor. Our officials have found cracks in the walls of eight rooms. The roof over an exterior passageway is also damaged.

The rain flooded the school hall and cleaners worked hard to mop up most of the water before the matric exams started this morning. Simanyene is sharing the hall with Khanyolwethu Secondary nearby for the exams.

The two schools are discussing ways in which to share premises for exams and assessments for the other grades.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works assessed the damage this morning and will develop plans for repairing the damage in conjunction with the WCED.

The storm damaged windows and flooded classrooms and the staff room at Intshukumo Comprehensive School in Gugulethu. WCED officials have assessed the damage and will attend to repairs.

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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