ANC Calls Out WCED Debbie Schafer for 'Undermining' Standing Committee on Education

Members of the ANC raised concerns about the start of the 2022 school year and called out Western Cape Minister of Education Debbie Schafer for her failure to address the unplaced learners problem.

Western Cape Member Executive Council Khalid Sayed released a statement on behalf of the African National Congress on Wednesday. He said the ANC believed Schafer was undermining the authority of the Standing Committee on Education by leaving early from meetings and issuing late apologies. 

"It is a cause for serious concern that MEC Debbie Schafer is continuing with her practice of undermining the committee meetings," Sayed's statement said.  "The ANC calls on the MEC to desist from this untoward conduct and respect the committee and its responsibilities." 

The ANC said Schafer left a meeting four hours early this week and they felt disrespected by the her behavior.

It has been a week since schools began in the Western Cape and 4,675 learners remain unplaced. 

Placement of these learners will become clearer following the release of the SNAP Survey results, which come after the 10th day of classes. The survey gives a complete count of learners and personnel and provides details about the equipment and resources of a given school.

The ANC said the unplaced learner issue must be urgently addressed. The party said it believes the situation is exacerbated by the Western Cape Education Department for not creating more mobile classrooms available.

There were 34 mobile classroom units completed as of January 17.

By Ben Rappaport