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

Western Cape Minister for Education Donald Grant has welcomed the fact that learning has started again at Ludwe Ngamlana Primary School in Khayelitsha, following two days of disruptions.

“Thanks to a large and visible police presence both learners and educators at the school were able to gain entry into the school premises this morning,” said Grant.

“However, it remains unacceptable that learners, some as young as six years old, were subject to various forms of intimidation, including being asked to return home, instead of attending school by protestors outside the school gates.”

Grant said that as a result of this interference and previous attempts to restrict access to the school, he has requested the department today to seek an urgent interdict from the Cape High Court which would ensure that no individual or group is allowed to intimidate any learner or educator, or to prevent them from gaining access to the school.

“Furthermore, given that the situation at the school remains volatile, such an interdict, if granted, will help ensure that their security is guaranteed,” he said.

“We will not hesitate, as we have done in the past, to act decisively and to ensure that anyone who acts unlawfully will face the full might of the law.”

Grant said that discussions between the protestors and the department would continue, and he expected to give feedback on the investigation into allegations against the school governing body after the 19th of February.

“I again appeal to all concerned to put the best interests of the learners first and to ensure that learning is able to take place in a peaceful and secure environment. This is our only consideration.”

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

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