I am pleased to announce that the highly regrettable shortage of chairs and desks at Zisukhanyo Secondary School has been resolved.

This matter was first bought to my attention late on Tuesday afternoon and by Wednesday morning I personally saw the delivery of 298 desks and 325 chairs to the school. I do, however, remain disappointed that this shortage was allowed to develop, and it is for this reason that I requested an urgent investigation into causes of the lack of chairs and desks at the school.

I have now received a report from the WCED on the matter and will discuss the recommendations made therein with the Head of Education later today. It is clear from the contents of the report that the shortages at Zisukhanyo are very much the exception and that the overwhelming majority of Western Cape schools have been allocated the requisite amount of furniture that they require.

I am, however, determined to ensure that every practical step is taken to avoid similar such shortages at schools in the future. To this end, all education districts have been instructed to conduct an audit of chairs and desks in all WCED schools by 12 November. Orders for new desks and chairs will be placed by 22 November for delivery in January 2011.

I am confident that these measures will ensure that all schools in the Western Cape have the necessary chairs and desks available for teaching and learning.

I would like to thank the management of the WCED for acting to swiftly to remedy the situation at Zisukhanyo and for their pro-active efforts to safeguard against any similar such shortages arising again.

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

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