Final public hearings regarding the The Western Cape Provincial School Education Amendment Bill that proposes the sale and consumption of liquor at schools, under certain conditions, were held in Cape Town on Tuesday night.
The largest teachers union, SADTU says it has several concerns regarding proposed amendments and has highlighted the proposal regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol on school premises or at school functions.
The amendment bill also prescribes that pupils found guilty of serious misconduct may be sent to intervention facilities. SADTU’s Jonovan Rustin says the sale and consumption of alcohol is just one of the proposals the union is rejecting…
“It legalised collaboration schools which is contravention of South African Schools Act because it now gives either donors or partners the right to have more than 50% on the governing body. We also have a problem with the sale of alcohol on schools saying that as teachers we are trying ensure and the sale of alcohol on schools work against with what we are trying to do with in the schools.”
SADTU and the regional SACP marched ahead of the final hearings last night. SACP provincial secretary, Benson Nqentsu, explains the party’s stance on the matter.
“On the question of collaboration we are in a new culture of shareholding and shareholding that seeks to undermine organs of people’s power such as School Governing Bodies, wherein those who have money will have majority in terms of authority and power.”
Meawnwhile, the Western Cape Education Department says it will fully consider the inputs and comments received from the public.
The department’s Jessica Shelver says “The public participation process being undertaken by provincial parliament in respect of the Western Cape Schools Education Amendment Bill is ongoing. The Department will fully consider the input and comments received from the public and the various interested bodies participating process and we will respond to the standing committee fully in due course in accordance with the parliamentary process to do so and this stage would be premature.”
A total of six public hearings have taken place since June this year. The public has until the 24th of August to submit written submissions regarding the bill.
