Education department to intervene in school sports

By Odette Ismail
09 May 2007

After another incident of rugby violence between Gordon High school and Collegians rugby club over the weekend, the Western Cape Education Department may govern school sport.

Gert Witbooi spokeperson for Education MEC Cameron Dugmore says they would consider intervening if disruption continues to take place. “Initially principals should make sure there are guidelines to ensure learners are safe, but if violence continues we will ask officials to investigate incidents.”

Witbooi says the department hasn’t taken an official stance on the situation but confirms that there are options which are available. “We can look into suspending school outings at certain schools where violence reoccurs.

He says although the education department works together with the Sport and Cultural Affairs Department and School Association, they may intervene as learners are under the guardianship of the education department.

This comes after match between two under-19-teams became violent on Saturday. It left a security guard’s arm broken in two places and the touch judge was stabbed in the head with a flagpole.