Question NW577 to the Minister of Basic Education

Share this page:

04 May 2017 - NW577

Profile picture: Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI

Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)On what date was she made aware of the letter from Eastleigh Primary School addressed to parents of learners who are foreign nationals at the school, (2) does her department have a policy that authorises the school principal to check legal documentation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) will her department investigate the matter; if not, why not; if so, by what date will the investigation commence?

Reply:

 

1. The Department was made aware of the letter when an anonymous caller wanted to confirm the legality of the letter sent out to parents by Eastleigh Primary School a few days after its distribution.

2. A school principal is the representative of the Provincial Head of Department at schools level. The principal is required in terms of Section 14-21 of the National Education Policy Act, 27 of 1996 which deals with documents required for admissions to verify all submitted documents for the purpose of admissions of all learners in a school.

3. The Department will not investigate the matter as the matter was addressed with the School Management Team and the School Governing Body. The letter of 22 February 2017 was withdrawn by the school and an apology letter was sent to all parents of the school. The Gauteng Department of Education is working with the Department of Home Affairs in the area to assist affected parents and prevent the repeat of the incident.

Source file