By REGINALD KANYANE
18 November 2024- The North West Department of Education said in its efforts for a calm examination environment, on Sunday, took 281 Grade 12 learners and 10 teachers of Meriti Secondary School in Rustenburg, to Swartrruggens Gekombeneerde Skool to write their remaining examination papers.
The department said the decision of moving learners to an alternative examination centre follows after one of the learners was attacked outside the school premises of Meriti Secondary School last week by a gang of four individuals. It was reported that expelled and suspended former learners of the school stabbed a learner, who ran towards the school for protection.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said the gang followed him into the school premises and stabbed another learner in the process. Motsumi said both learners were immediately taken to local hospitals for medical treatment.
“One of the learners sustained four stab wounds and is currently recuperating at home. The department has assured that both affected learners will be allowed to complete their examinations upon recovery.
“Immediately after this incident, I visited the school to meet the School Governing Body (SGB) and parents of learners. I am happy that finally learners of Meriti Secondary School will be able to write their remaining papers in a calm and peaceful environment,” she said.
Last week, Motsumi met the parents and further promised them that, as a department, they will ensure that the Grade 12 learners are provided with a quality space to write their final examinations. She added that, as a department, they have arranged meals which will be served three times a day to the learners.
“They will be provided with accommodation which will allow them to study efficiently. The learners will also be provided with 24-hour security. Meriti Secondary School has been provided with 4 full-time security members.
“They will be able to search learners in the morning and ensure that learners are safe. On 18 November 2024, the Grade 12 learners are expected at 9am to write Life Sciences P2 and at 2pm, they will write Visual Arts and Electrical Technology,” said Motsumi.
The Guardian 