Equal Education launches exhibition in lead-up to court case

The exhibition was launched in the lead up to a court case the organisation has launched to get the Minister of Education to commit to minimum norms and standards for school infrastructure.

Jonathan Lykes, an EE intern, said that the launch was a success and people filled half the church.

“The exhibition was eight large panels that had statistics, facts and the history of EE. It tells a story of where we have come from and where we are now. It is important to understand the stories that come out of the exhibition. They are representations of the struggles faced. There was also a panel where people could write messages to Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga, regarding the norms and standards for school infrastructure,” Lykes explained.

On 2 March, EE filed an affidavit in the Eastern Cape’s Bhisho High Court against Motshekga and other respondents including nine provincial ministers of education, the Minister of Finance, the Eastern Cape government and the national government.

The application included two parts, with part one seeking emergency relief for two schools, Mwezeni Senior Primary School and Mkanzini Junior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape and part two seeking an order that would instruct Motshekga to prescribe minimum norms and standards for school infrastructure. Motshekga has filed a notice to oppose the court case.

The Minister of Education has not responded to our requests for comment. But court documents available on EE’s website, state that Motshekga’s answering affidavit essentially argues that section 5A of the Schools Act did not create an obligation to promulgate norms and standards, but was a matter of discretion.

In its reply EE says that Motshekga’s argument against implementing norms and standards is based on a misconception of the right to basic education.

The Legal Resource Centre’s Cameron McConnachie, who is the attorney on the matter, confirmed that there would be a court case in the Bhisho High Court on 20 November 2012.

Head of the exhibition campaign, Adam Sack, said the exhibition was great and he particularly enjoyed the speeches that were given regarding the history and struggles of getting equal education for all.

“The exhibition moves from the church Monday morning, it will then go to the warehouse for some finishing touches and a splash of paint, then to Matthew Goniwe High. Anyone can call EE if they want to host the exhibition.” Sack explained.