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

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is procuring hand-held metal detectors to support school safety plans at 109 schools in high-risk areas.

The first number of selected schools will receive their resources in August. The 109 schools will each receive two metal detectors.

"We would naturally prefer prevention, rather than a cure; however, we have been forced to take these measures in order to protect our learners," said MEC for Education Donald Grant. The total cost of the rollout will be R250 000.

"These metal detectors are not a solution in itself. They are a way of improving existing safety measures at our schools, and we are hoping that it will deter learners, or other individuals, from bringing objects onto the school premises."

According to Nariman Khan of the WCED's Safe Schools initiative, the schools will be allowed to, through their safety plans and safety committees, to manage the metal detectors.

Bambanani volunteers will then manage the access points at each of the 109 schools and a designated member of the staff will be trained to effectively use the metal detectors.

If a weapon is found on a learner, the prescripts of the Education Law Amendment Act (2007) will be applied, and the disciplinary actions as per the school code of conduct followed.

"It needs to be stated that we do not want to criminalize our learners, but rather cultivate young citizens who are responsible within the law," said Grant.

"We are appealing to parents and the community to also get involved. If we can make our communities safer, we will in turn make our schools safer."

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

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