GEORGE NEWS - A group of about 20 learners of Imizamo Yethu Secondary School in Thembalethu has been locked out of the school grounds.

Apiwe Hewu, one of the learners, told the newspaper that some of the children have gone home.

He said learners have to be at school at 07:50. He arrived at 08:00, but was not allowed to enter the premises. He said some of the learners had to write tests today.

The headmaster, Phumla Cona, was not at the school when George Herald was on the premises to ask for comment. The deputy headmaster did not want to comment and asked the newspaper to phone later. 

Phone messages were left, but no response has been received yet.

Comment from the Western Cape Education Department is also being awaited.

The South African Schools Act states that any other person who, without just cause, prevents a learner who is subject to compulsory attendance, from attending a school, is guilty of an offence and liable, on conviction, to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months. 

It is not certain if this action against the learners translates to an offence in terms of the Schools Act.

In the proposed Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill (to amend the Schools Act), the above stipulation is proposed to make provision for a jail sentence of up to 12 months. 

The bill is soon to be advertised for public comment.

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