Statement by Donald Grant, Minister of Education in the Western Cape

This morning, Western Cape Education Minister Donald Grant visited Oranjekloof Primary School in Hout Bay and met with the principal and the head of the School Governing Body, to confirm in person to them that a settlement has been reached with the Moravian Church of South Africa and that the future of the school will be secured for the next nine years.

“I am pleased that the situation is now stable, and that learning and teaching continues,” said Grant.

The Minister also did a site inspection of the grounds where the WCED intends to erect between 3-5 mobile classrooms which will help to dramatically reduce the present overcrowding at the school.

“I have received a preliminary report from the department on the erection of these mobiles at the school. This includes a engineers report on the suitability of the site,” he said.

“The initial investigation indicates that it will take 3-5 weeks to properly secure the site and to install the mobile classrooms.”

Grant said that while he regretted the delay in the erection of the mobiles, it does mean that the school will be getting even better provision then originally agreed upon.

“The Oranjekloof school community can be rest assured that I am determined that these units are in place as quickly as possible and that I will personally monitor the developments and progress of the installation on a daily basis,’ he said.

“I want to thank the school and the community for their patience and look forward to future co-operation in ensuring that these learners get the quality of education they deserve in a safe and stable school environment.”

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

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