Education Dept. issues stern warning to Delft learners ahead of march

By Kim Saulse
13 May 2011

The Western Cape Education Department has issued a warning to learners at the Masibambisane Secondary School in Delft who plan to partake in a march today.

Department spokesperson Bronagh Casey warned that “any learner or educator that leaves school during school hours will face disciplinary action”.

Casey says it is not clear what sprung the learners into action, but the planned march comes after a number of disruptions at the school in recent weeks.

She says the march, which appears to be led by two learners and supported by the African People’s Convention, has little to do with the concerns of the learners.

“There have been numerous attempts to engage constructively on the concerns learners have raised in the last few weeks. However, the substance of these concerns change everyday to the extent that the only conclusion to draw is that this has little to do with education matters and has broader political overtones,” says Casey.

Casey added that the safety of learners and their rights will be prioritized by the department and police.

“Regardless of the motivation for a march, I wish to make it very clear that the WCED along with SAPS will do everything to ensure the safety of learners and school property,” says Casey.