The Effects of the Strike on WCED
The ongoing taxi strike in the Western Cape has had a significant impact on the region’s education system. According to reports from the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), 728,247 learners and 12,026 staff members were unable to attend school on Thursday, representing 60% of total learners and 21.5% of staff members in the region. Furthermore, 48 schools had to close their doors due to the lack of transportation caused by the strike.
Positive Trend in Attendance
Despite the alarming numbers, there has been a positive trend in attendance since the start of the strike. The WCED has reported that attendance has increased by 124,012 learners and 5,699 staff members since Tuesday, the 8th of August 2023. Additionally, the number of closed schools has decreased from 92 on Tuesday to 48 on Thursday.
Different Views on School Closure
The Member of the Executive Council (MEC) has expressed an optimistic view that this absenteeism will continue to decline. However, not everyone agrees with the decision to keep schools open. The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) has criticized WCED’s decision to keep schools open and has called for their closure in the areas most affected by the taxi strike. The union is concerned about the safety of both teachers and learners.
WCED’s Justification
In response to Sadtu’s criticism, WCED has justified its decision to keep schools open by emphasizing the role of schools in providing a safe space for unattended learners and a source of meals. They believe that continued teaching and learning for children should be maintained as far as possible. Maynier supports the argument, stating that “today over 124,000 more learners got that opportunity, which would not have been the case if there was a blanket closure of schools.”
The Importance of Accessible Transportation
Despite the lack of resolution to the taxi strike, the WCED’s stance on keeping schools open reflects their commitment to ensuring education continues in a safe environment. The ongoing challenges presented by the taxi strike serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of accessible transportation in maintaining the functioning of essential services, such as education.
The Resilience of the Educational Community
In the face of adversity and amid the ongoing taxi strike, the efforts of both teachers and learners to maintain a semblance of normalcy reflect the resilience of the Western Cape’s educational community. With no apparent end to the strike in sight, it remains to be seen how the educational system will continue to adapt and demonstrate its unwavering commitment to the learners and staff affected by these circumstances.
