Schools opt into class action lawsuit against DoE

Eighteen schools so far have opted into a class action lawsuit, led by the Legal Resources Centre (LRC), against the Eastern Cape Department of Education.

The suit aims to ensure that temporary teachers in local schools are given permanent positions, as well as provide reimbursement for schools which, without government funds, have been forced to pay teachers from their own budgets.

Currently, no Grahamstown schools have indicated interest.

Valencia Morris, of the LRC’s Grahamstown office, said calls are coming in daily from different schools and final numbers cannot presently be confirmed.

“We are receiving interest from schools all around the Eastern Cape on a daily basis. At the moment (there are) 18 schools that are interested,” she said.

Errol Goliath of local school, Mary Waters, explained that the school has chosen not to opt in to the class action lawsuit, due to significant efforts to engage independently.

“We have worked on our own and have …. been successful in sorting out our issues”, said Goliath.

The action was certified by the Grahamstown High Court on 21 March this year.

The LRC has been persistent in their attempts to gather applicants, and has placed official advertisements of this action in local newspapers.

In a media statement spokesperson for the Department, Loyiso Pumulani, said the Department is committed to providing reimbursement and permanent positions in cases where claims are determined to be valid.

Morris said that after 12 May, the LRC will prepare court submissions for the proceedings.

“This must be done by 30 May and the matter is set down for hearing on 31 July 2014. The information we get back from schools will inform what relief we are asking the court for,” said Morris.

Written submissions from local schools affected can be submitted to the Grahamstown office of the Legal Resources Centre.

Schools have until 12 May to opt into the class action.