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

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has arranged another exam for 35 candidates who missed an English exam last week because of the floods in some parts of the province.

The candidates missed the English First Additional Language Paper 2 exam on Thursday morning last week (13 November 2008), because they could not reach their exam centres.

They include 32 learners from Hex Vallei High School and two learners from Van Cutsem Combined School. Both schools are in De Doorns. One learner from Goudini High in Rawsonville also missed the exam because of the floods.

The 35 candidates will write the exam on Monday, 1 December 2008 at 14h00, at their schools. None of the candidates are writing Engineering Graphics and Design Paper 2, the other exam taking place at that time.

The WCED will provide an alternative paper for the English exam. Alternative papers are always prepared in advance in case of eventualities such as the floods.

The WCED has informed schools of these arrangements telephonically and will confirm details in writing on Monday (24 November 2008).

The department advised all candidates before the exams to make themselves available until 5 December, should any exam need to be rewritten or replaced for any reason.

Yousuf Gabru, MEC for Education in the Western Cape, wished the candidates well. "They have been affected by circumstances beyond their control and our thoughts are with them as they prepare to write the alternative paper."

Meanwhile, the WCED is counting the cost of flood and storm damage at Western Cape Schools. Most flood damage occurred in the Breede River Education District. Strong winds badly damaged Simanyene Secondary School in the Strand.

About 75% of the classrooms at Hexpark Primary School, Worcester, were under water following the rains of 13 and 14 November. Eight classrooms and one mobile classroom were under water at Ashbury Primary School in Montague.

Roodewal Primary School, Worcester, experienced flooded classrooms and stormwater drainage problems, while flood water damaged floors at Rabie Primary, De Doorns.

Floodwater seriously damaged a computer centre at Glen Heatlie Primary School, De Wet, as well as wooden floors which may have to be replaced.

Physical resource planners have estimated that it could cost about R70 000 to repair damage caused by strong winds at Simanyene Secondary School. The WCED plans to provide 10 mobile classrooms at the school while the damage is repaired.

The storm damaged seven classrooms and blew roof sheeting off the school hall. Schooling can continue, because learners can occupy classrooms vacated by matrics who are writing their matric exams.

Cleaning staff of the school are clearing the debris and the school has barred learners from accessing affected areas.

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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