Pretoria - The Gauteng Department of Education has been granted an urgent interdict by the Labour Court in an attempt to protect provincial preliminary exam centres and prevent mass meetings during school time.
The department said it had sought an interdict following a range of developments, which continue to threaten the smooth running of the matric preliminary examinations, the normalisation of learning and teaching, and the matric recovery programme.
"These developments include the convening of mass meetings during contact teaching time, the withdrawal of educator participation in the matric recovery programme and informal threats of school disruptions," said department spokesperson Charles Phahlane.
He added that the department was saddened by the continual threats to teaching and learning in the province. With less than 34 days until the start of the matric exams, the department called on educators, parents, learners and the community to assist in preparing learners for the final examination.
"We believe the time has come to put the matric class of 2010 first, they need help to successfully complete the prelim exams and the matric recovery programme thereafter."
Last week, National Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga called on all South Africans to rally behind the class of 2010, adding that Grade 12s deserved special support during this time.
"We need to build their confidence and restore their hope, these young men and women are on the cusp of entering new lives, either the world of work or further and higher education and training, they need all the support they can get," Motshekga said at the time.
