Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

16 September, 2014

Minister Debbie Schäfer to lay criminal charges to protect learners right to education in Grabouw.

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education

Western Cape MEC for Education, Minister Debbie Schäfer will today, lay criminal charges against organisations and protestors responsible for keeping children from attending school in the Grabouw area. Learners and educators have now, for the second day been prevented from attending school due to violent protests.

Section 3(6)(b) of the SA Schools Act reads:

"Subject to this Act and any other applicable law, any other person (other than a parent) who, without just cause, prevents a learner who is subject to compulsory attendance from attending a school, is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months."

It is in terms of this section that Minister Debbie Schäfer will today, be laying criminal charges against those organisations and protestors involved in the closure of the 5 schools in the Grabouw area.

Minister Schäfer will be laying charges at Cape Town Central Police Station today at 10.30am.

Date: Tuesday, 16th September 2014
Time: 10:30
Venue: Cape Town Central Police Station, Buitenkant Street, Cape Town

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