Statement by Donald Grant, MEC for Education in the Western Cape

Following two separate discussions (6th and 12th of August 2009) with school governing body associations and teacher unions, the Minister for Education in the Western Cape Donald Grant, has now concluded the post-allocation consultations.

"Given the economic and financial realities facing the government of the Western Cape, we are pleased to announce that we have offered to increase the amount of new educator posts in the 2010/2011 financial year by 322," said Grant.

"This makes a total of 2 531 new posts since 2005."

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has now concluded the consultation process between the MEC, teacher unions and school governing bodies.

The process will now continue with the acting Head of Department of the WCED and the relevant parties on the 17th of August 2009, where there will be consultation on the distribution of these posts to specific schools.

"I am fully confident that, with the WCED's and the communities support, the school will come back from this tragedy. We will not let crime and violence affect the future growth of these learners."

For enquiries, contact Bronagh Casey:  072 724 1422 or brcasey@pgwc.gov.za.

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