An inquiry into various issues in schools in the Saldanha municipal area, including allegations of racism, access, transport, school fees and provisioning will start on Tuesday 27 March, 19h00, when senior officials of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) meet with the community of Laingville in a public meeting in the local school hall.

Earlier Education MEC Cameron Dugmore established a Task Team after hearing complaints from members of the public and children not attending school at the beginning of this year. The Task Team is headed by the MEC's Advisor Archie Lewis, and has the following brief:

• investigate allegations of racism at Vredenburg High School where learners from St Helena Bay complained of certain specific comments
• investigate and advise on school fees at relevant schools (in the region)
• look at utilization of available space and provisioning issues within the relevant region, including learner transport and its effectiveness
• ensure that any learner still not in school, is suitably placed as soon as possible
• review pass and failure rates of Grade 10 learners for the period 2005 - 2006 at the Vredenburg High School, with special reference to the learners from the Laingville area
• review relevant teacher and learner portfolios at Vredenburg High School

The Task Team meets with all role-players and high school representatives on Wednesday 28 March, after which the Task Team will analyze and decide on further steps.

For Enquiries:

Gert Witbooi
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Education
Western Cape
Tel: 021 467 2523
Fax: 021 425 5689
Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za

The Western Cape - A Home for All
INtshona Koloni - iKhaya loMntu wonke
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