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

Yesterday, a school combi bus was hijacked within the premises of Noluthando School for the deaf.

The driver was on his way to pick learners up for school at 06:30 am when four men stopped him at the entrance of the school.

The driver was then held at gunpoint, but was released once all the hijackers were in the bus.

In reaction to the incident, Education MEC Donald Grant said that he was relieved that no one was hurt, and that the learners had not witnessed the incident.

"We have spoken to the district officials and the acting principal, Thandeka Mavuka. The bus driver is understandably traumatized and treatment and counseling have been provided."

Grant said that although the vehicle had been fit with a tracking device, the vehicle was still missing.

"This was a new bus, bought with money raised by the school. It is deplorable that these young learners have had that opportunity taken away from them."

He said that he was concerned that the incident would affect learner attendance at school, but had been assured that arrangements had been made to transport learners.

"We will be following up on the implementation of safety measures at the school, and how this can be improved upon to avoid any future incidents."

"There is no doubt that school safety measures need to be stepped up in our schools. I have already met with the MEC for Community Safety Lennit Max and MEC for Social Development Dr Ivan Meyer, to determine how we can co-operate in this regard," he said.

Grant said that further details on this plan would be revealed at a later stage.

"All three departments, the communities and schools, need to create effective working partnerships in order to prevent further attacks on our schools. Incidents like the one at Noluthando School can be prevented if we work together."

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

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