They could not write their papers for that specific day. The learners, from grade 9 to 12, said that they had not received any prior notice from their teachers or the Western Cape education department. They had no means of accessing the premises.
It was not the first time that this has happened. It appears that there are differences between the learners and the governing body of the school regarding matters such as mismanagement, absence of a proper administration and financial system, as well as facilities that have been closed down or rented out to outside institutions without any notice.
A letter of complaint on behalf of the learners has also been sent in to the department of education to launch an investigation into the current situation at the school. One of the gr 12 learners, who previously served on the governing body of the school, was arrested during class hours in the process of taking lead in the matter. No response has yet been received to the letter.
The principal Charleen Swartz told the George Herald that the centre had been closed for two days only. According to her the matter was being "instructed" by die department of education and the learners were informed that it would reopen on Monday (11 October).
Not being able to write their exams last Thursday, the learners reported the matter to Sanco (South African National Civic Organisation). The Sanco office immediately directed a letter to the education department and a meeting was called for Tuesday and was attended by Sanco, the department of education, the teachers and learners to address the dispute, which has apparently not been resolved to date. In the meantime the school re-opened on Monday.
Article and photo: Itha Kieser
.jpg)
Students of the George Community Learning Centre had to turn around in front of the closed gates of the centre on Thursday when they pitched to write an exam paper. After Sanco intervened, the centre re-opened on Monday.
