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Media Release

3 September, 2010

Minister Grant provides an update on the September exams

Yesterday’s disruption of examinations at the Good Hope Campus of False Bay Further Education and Training College (FET) in Khayelitsha is a grim reminder of the seriousness of the current situation facing education in South Africa.

This action by striking teachers must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. I would like to make it clear to any individual considering breaking the law that we will take the strongest possible action against them in order to protect the rights of learners and non-striking teachers.

It is however important to keep yesterday’s events in context and to remember that the majority of schools continue to function as normal. There are currently 61 schools in the province who have either been unable to start or who have had their September exams disrupted. Our focus is on ensuring that Grade 12 learners at these schools are able to write their exams by the end of September.

Education districts have submitted detailed plans to ensure that all Grade 12 learners are able to write the September exam. We are also in the process of organising a seven day camp, from 23-30 September for Grade 12 learners most affected by the strike. These camps will be held in a variety of different locations and we are currently in negotiations with the City of Cape Town, schools and the Cape Chamber of Commerce with a view to securing appropriate sites.

The tutor programme will also be extended to more days and times from 6 September to 5 November. This programme was originally scheduled to run to mid-October. The telematics programme, which uses master teachers to teach simultaneously to 120 schools is also being extended and expanded. We are also continuously providing supplementary learning material to schools that are requesting such assistance. This includes DVDs of previous telematic lessons which are very valuable for revision purposes.

We are currently in the process of informing learners of these arrangements through the use of community radio, loud hailers, flyers and faith-based messages. Learners are encouraged to contact their school, WCED head office or their district office to obtain information on the plans that are being implemented to assist them.

The WCED is working very closely with the SAPS to ensure the safety of learners and non-striking teachers. Our obligation is to ensure that teaching and learning continues in this very difficult climate. We are determined to uphold the rule of law and ensure that system continues to function as best possible.

For enquiries, contact Millicent Merton:  082 324 1284 or brcasey@pgwc.gov.za.


Issued by:
Millicent Merton
acting Media Liaison Officer
Office of the Minister of Education
Western Cape
Tel: 021 467 2377
Fax: 021 425 5689

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


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