By Candes Keating
Education MEC Cameron Dugmore warned parents on Wednesday that they faced fines of up to R5 000 if they failed to ensure that their children remained at school until the school year ends on Friday.
Dugmore also warned principals who failed to ensure that pupils pitched up for classes that they would be penalised under the Employment of Educators Act and the Western Cape Schools Act.
Principals who are found guilty could face anything from a reprimand to a fine not exceeding R6 000, a salary reduction or, ultimately, discharge.
'This is a common problem schools face each year' Dugmore issued the warning after it emerged that thousands of pupils across the province had been bunking school after exams ended last week.
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At some schools, no pupils have pitched up since Monday, while at other schools pupils have been on holiday since early last week.
Dugmore said the department would use the provisions in the two acts to charge principals and parents accordingly.
His spokesperson, Gert Witbooi, said they would contact the district offices on Wednesday to establish where pupils were absent.
"If it can be established that the principals told the pupils to stay at home, then the principals will be charged. If the parents' negligent conduct has allowed children to stay home, the parents will be charged," Witbooi said.
With three days left to the end of term, Dugmore has warned pupils that staying out of school is a breach of the Western Cape Schools Act.
According to the official school timetable, schools close only on Friday.
Dugmore said schools had to use this time to involve pupils in sport or cultural activities.
"I have challenged schools to develop programmes until the last day of the year and to also work with other departments to inform learners of holiday programmes and also try and initiate programmes themselves," he said.
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