FEDSAS tackles Gauteng MEC over statements regarding "uncooperative Afrikaner schools"

If the Gauteng Education Department and its MEC, Mr Panyaza Lesufi, did their jobs as required by the Schools Act, ill-considered plans to force rich and poor schools to work together would not have been necessary.

The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS) reacted strongly to a statement by Mr Lesufi that specifically Afrikaans schools are uncooperative (‘Afrikaner-skole wil nie hul bronne deel' - LUR, Beeld, 04 December 2014). "According to our information none of the schools identified are excited about the MEC's plan. It is inappropriate and polarising to blame a specific group for the resistance the MEC is experiencing," says Mr Paul Colditz, CEO of FEDSAS (see report). The MEC announced this plan a couple of months ago. It involves two schools managed by the same governing body.

Colditz says there are many schools that struggle due to poor management, for which the MEC and the Education Department is to blame. "This ill-considered and unfeasible plan is simply the MEC's effort to cover his own poor work by forcing successful schools to assist unsuccessful schools. It is clear that the MEC and his department did not consult nor do they understand certain core principles of the Schools Act."

Colditz says it is inappropriate and uncalled for to threaten schools with legal action. "It is the State's responsibility to provide education and to ensure that schools deliver a quality service to learners. If schools are struggling the MEC should look for the cause in his own department."

FEDSAS has already indicated that the organisation is not against cooperation. "In fact it's our view that success can only be achieved by working together. However, it should be voluntary and not forced by State departments. A number of FEDSAS members have been involved in similar voluntary partnerships for a long time. They are doing it because it is to the advantage of the school community."

(FEDSAS is a voluntary association of school governing bodies of public schools and supports quality education in these schools. More than 1800 public schools are already members of FEDSAS).

Statement issued by Paul Colditz, CEO: FEDSAS, December 4 2014

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