WCED: Masiphumelele too volatile for matriculants

The WCED collected more than 200 matriculants in the area who’ve been transported to an alternate location.

FILE: On several occasions police had to use rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse angry crowds that ran amok in the streets. Picture: Thomas Holder/EWN.

Lauren Isaacs | 1397 days ago

CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says the Masiphumelele community is far too volatile for matriculants currently writing final exams.

The area has seen as a spate of violent protests and at least three mob attacks on suspected criminals over the past few weeks.

On several occasions, police had to use rubber bullets and stun grenades, to disperse angry crowds that ran amok in the streets.

The WCED collected more than 200 matriculants in the area yesterday who've since been transported to an alternate location where they'll be housed and allowed to write their final exams.

LISTEN: Masiphumelele matrics moved to safe exam venue

The Western Cape Education Department's Kay Spiers says authorities are looking for a more permanent location for the group of about 200 matriculants as the venue they were moved to yesterday was a temporary emergency plan.

"They are being taken care of. We have no plans to bring them back to Masiphumelele High School. We want them to be less traumatised and we are looking for suitable accommodation."

Spiers adds today's examinations ran smoothly.

The department has called on the public to assist in donating groceries, as they're responsible for feeding the group of learners.

Meanwhile, Masiphumelele community leaders have called for calm in the community to allow all school children to complete their final exams successfully.

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