Media reports of severe school shortages, and that more than 40 000 learners in Gauteng, and more than 18 000 learners in the Western Cape, have not been accommodated in schools, are of concern to the Commission.

“Children have a constitutional right to basic education. Our constitutional commitment to the right to education is the recognition that education is a fundamental and facilitative right, which must be fulfilled in order for other rights in the Bill of Rights to ultimately be enjoyed,” said Advocate André Gaum, Human Rights Commissioner assigned to the portfolio on Basic Education.

The Commission calls on all relevant MECs of Education to put in place urgent measures to ensure that all learners are accommodated expeditiously. The Commission is monitoring the situation and will be in contact with relevant education authorities to ascertain their plans to ensure that all learners are accommodated and can commence their school year.

Ends/

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

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