Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

4 November, 2015

Disruptive and disorderly behaviour this Guy Fawkes is unacceptable.

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education

Every year on the 5^th November we receive reports of learners behaving irresponsibly.

As a result of this irresponsible behaviour, there is increased absenteeism in our schools in certain Cape metropole areas.

Some learners do not attend school in order to participate in activities that are irresponsible and potentially dangerous. These activities include throwing paint on other children when they leave school.

These bullying tactics and intimidatory behaviour are simply unacceptable and should be condemned by the community.

We have contacted SAPS and the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement and requested that they are visible in areas where this practice has traditionally been common, particularly around the schools.

We urge all communities and parents to discourage such activities in their neighbourhoods.

Not only does it place our children's safety at risk, it has also resulted in further absenteeism at schools as some learners fear being attacked or targeted by the other children doing these things.

While our schools will manage learners at the school level, parents must take responsibility for their children; this can be done in the following ways:

1. By supporting their schools in ensuring that their children attend school on Thursday. Thursday is a normal teaching and learning day and therefore normal school hours apply.

2. By dissuading their children from participating in such activities and ensuring there is no disruption of schooling.

3. By ensuring that their children are supervised after school hours.

4. By monitoring their children's behavior and checking their school bags for any fireworks or other materials such as paint before leaving home. Learners are not permitted to bring any fireworks into school grounds.

Our primary concern is the continued orderly functioning of our schools and the general safety of all children at a time where disruptive and disorderly behavior seems to be the 'order of the day'.

I appeal to parents and communities to work together to ensure minimal disruption in our schools and communities.

Media enquiries:
Jessica Shelver
Spokesperson for the Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape Education Department
Tel: 076 175 0663