Complaint about rule

EIGHT Grade 10 to 12 pupils of the SAAAC in Queenstown have complained about being sent home after they allegedly arrived late for their exams.

The eight, represented by Asiphe Mpumlwana, Ayanda Siralile and Yolanda Titi said a recent rule indicated that pupils have to arrive at 7.30am prior to their exams. Late students have to pay R400 to write the paper.

The eight claimed “racial discrimination” saying a white pupil had been al- lowed to enter the premises after excusing himself to return his dog, which had followed him to college, back home.

The pupils claimed they had valid reasons but they were not allowed in. They were unhappy about the new rule as they and their parents had not been included in the decision.

The pupils said they also wanted shelter from bad weather to be provided and that they were unhappy that they had to take Afrikaans as the college did not offer isiXhosa.

College director Adele Richardson said the pupils had misread the situation. “The only pupils liable to paying the R400 fee to write an exam are college students receiving higher education. It does not apply to the high school division.”

The rule had been formulated before April with ample warning given to those affected. The rule was aimed at giving pupils more time to study for their exam and aimed to instill good time management as a skill.

A meeting had been held with parents and the matter was resolved.

The pupils would be getting another chance to write their paper.

She said the white pupil referred to had been seated by 7.30am. “As a college, we do not endorse racism.”

Richardson said a classroom was always left open for students to have their lunch, thus offering protection against the elements.

Thepupils were informed prior to enrolling that Afrikaans was on the curriculum of the private institution.