Schools oppose court application in religion case

The six schools cited in the court case regarding religion in schools have decided to oppose the court application (see report).

The governing bodies of the six schools are members of the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS) and FEDSAS is supporting the governing bodies with the court application. "The schools have received overwhelming support from the public and organisations," says Mr Paul Colditz, CEO of FEDSAS.

Colditz says the schools have appointed Mr Werner Human of Hurter-Spies in Centurion as lawyer. The legal team is led by Adv Johan du Toit, SC, of Johannesburg.

"The schools wanted to express their gratitude for the support that they've received. However, they were advised by their legal team not to send out any media releases or conduct any media interviews until the case has been finalised," says Colditz. Media enquiries will be handled by FEDSAS.

In the meantime AfriForum has offered to pay some of the legal costs of the schools. People or institutions wanting to donate to the schools' legal fund may pay in the donation into the FEDSAS legal fund:

Name: FEDSAS Regsfonds

Bank: ABSA (Brandwag branch)

Branch code: 632 005

Account type: Deposito Plus

Account number: 929 525 1003

It is FEDSAS' policy to support governing bodies in decisions taken within the framework as set by the Schools' Act.

(FEDSAS is a voluntary association of school governing bodies of public schools and supports quality education in these schools. Nearly 1750 public schools are already members of FEDSAS).

Statement issued by Mr Paul Colditz, CEO: FEDSAS, September 6 2014

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