Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

25 May, 2016

Engineers advise moving learners from City school.

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education

For some time now, the WCED has been concerned about the increasing rate of infrastructure deterioration at Uitzig Senior Secondary School.

At the request of the HOD: Education, the Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) recently completed a site inspection at this school to assess its infrastructural condition.

The assessment indicated that the facilities are unsafe for continued occupation. While there is no indication that there is an immediate threat to teachers and learner safety, it would be irresponsible for the WCED to allow continued occupation in these circumstances.

The DTPW has now commissioned a more detailed report from a quantity surveyor on the condition of the school, which we await.

Yesterday, we received a notice from COSATU threatening to close down De La Ray Road, alleging that the WCED does not care about the learners of Uitzig Secondary School, when indeed the opposite is true. We have previously tried to move learners from that school, which was thwarted by COSATU. The WCED has also requested meetings with COSATU on a number of occasions to discuss a solution for the school, which requests have not been responded to.

We have been informed that today's protest, organised by COSATU is not likely to be peaceful, and may well endanger the lives and property of the learners as well as members of the Uitzig community.

I would like to remind COSATU of Section 11 (1) and (2) of the Gatherings Act, which states that if any riot damage occurs as a result of a gathering, every organisation under which the auspices of the gathering was held, will be held jointly or severally liable for that riot damage.

COSATU must be held responsible for their actions. Violence or the destruction of public resources is not justified under ANY circumstances, and the reasons given in the media to attempt to justify it are totally unfounded.

In the meantime, the WCED will work with the school to relocate the learners and staff to a suitable alternative location.

Our District officials are discussing the situation with all concerned in order to ensure the least possible disruption to the academic programme.

We hope that we can rely on the assistance and support from parents and the school communities to act in the best interests of the learners and teachers so that they are relocated as quickly and smoothly as possible to limit disruption to learning and teaching time. Politicking and personal interests have no place here.

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