Dugmore lays complaint against education MEC

WESTERN Cape MPL Cameron Dugmore has laid a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against the provincial education MEC.

Dugmore claims that Debbie Schäfer’s department has failed to provide pupils in Vermaaklikheid with transport to school.

Vermaaklikheid is a rural village outside Riversdale. In his complaint, Dugmore called on the SAHRC to mediate in the matter and help find a solution.

Dugmore, pictured, said he was approached by a parent, Anna Philander, who used her own money to provide transport for the children as well as boarding money for children who lived outside Riversdale but attended school there.

According to Dugmore, the children attend two different high schools in Riversdale – Langenhoven High and Gerrit du Plessis High – and were not provided with transport to school.

“I believe that the conduct of the MEC is in breach of the Constitution of the republic. In addition her tardy and uncaring attitude has not only compromised the right to basic education of the pupils in question, but it has no doubt created insecurity and worry in the minds of the pupils.”

Dugmore sent the complaint to the director of the SAHRC and asked for a full investigation of his complaint and requested that an urgent meeting be set up between himself, Schäfer, Philander and the principal of Langenhoven High.

“Given that there is an existing route which passes in close proximity to Langenhoven High School, I believe that the MEC, as the Executive Authority for the WCED, could have, and can still, issue a directive based on the special circumstances of this case. I believe she was negligent in not considering all other alternatives, including hostel accommodation. The fact that she has never responded to my plea is shocking to say the least. I believe that she has failed to meet the oath of office as affirmed by her on assuming office.”

But Schäfer’s spokeswoman, Jessica Shelver, said the complaint was surprising as they had been in contact with Dugmore.

She said they received an e-mail from Dugmore and responded to him with an SMS telling him of the options pupils were provided with.

“The first correspondence indicated that the learners could be accommodated at Langenhoven Secondary school hostel. The WCED informed the parents that the hostel accommodation would be subsidised in terms of policy. If the learners could be accommodated in the provided subsidised hostel, then the Department, in terms of policy, is not required to provide transport on weekends. Mr Dugmore did not reply to this e-mail. “Mr Dugmore’s complaint to the SAHRC is therefore unwarranted and political posturing at best,” Shelver said.

“Unlike Mr Dugmore, Minister Schäfer has asked for a review of the Learner Transport Scheme Policy and the management of hostels in the Western Cape. The Ministry communicated to Mr Dugmore that this was being reviewed in the correspondence on the 23rd of April. Until such time that this review is complete, with costing and budget implications considered, the current policy still stands. We have, however, provided alternatives to the learners – which were ignored.”

Spokesman for the commission Isaac Mangena said they would look into the complaint. “I can confirm that we have received the complaint against the MEC. We are in the process of evaluating the complaint… “