Earlier this year, Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore established a Task Team to conduct an inquiry into various issues in the West Coast municipal area, including allegations of racism, access, transport, school fees and provisioning, after hearing complaints from members of the public and children not attending school at the beginning of this year.

MEC Dugmore will meet with the members of the Task Team on Monday (26 November 2007, 16h00) and will report back to the Laingville community at a public meeting thereafter (19h00, in the local community hall).

The Task Team had 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
• look at utilisation 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; and
• review relevant teacher and learner portfolios at Vredenburg High School.

The Task Team met with all role-players and high school representatives; and analysed and advised the MEC on further steps. He will make public these findings tomorrow.

---

Enquiries:

Gert Witbooi
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Education
Western Cape
Tel: 021 467 2523
Cell: 082 550 3938
Fax: 021 425 5689
Email: gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za
Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za

The Western Cape - A Home for All
INtshona Koloni - iKhaya loMntu wonke
Die Wes-Kaap - 'n Tuiste vir Almal