The Western Cape Education Department has vowed to be tough on teachers and learners who report late for school. The Department says all those found guilty of tardiness should be disciplined accordingly to improve punctuality. Education authorities are on a serious mission to improve the pass rate in the province's schools this year.

In her State of the Province address last month, Western Cape Premier Helen Zille outlined plans to boost the matric pass rate to 80% this year. This means that teachers and learners are expected to spend more time doing their school work.

Provincial Education Minister Donald Grant says he supports the detention of learners who arrive late for school. He has encouraged schools to register latecomers daily at the school gate. Grant says those with transport problems should get up earlier for school and must take some responsibility for their situation.