Bishop Lavis parents demand Education Dept prioritises local schools

CAPE TOWN - Bishop Lavis parents are calling on the education department to prioritise local schools.

A group of residents picketed outside Bishop Lavis High School over, among other things, a looming teacher shortage, overcrowded classes and a lack of specialist STEM teachers.

The group gathered outside the school, demanding improvements in the education sector, healthcare and social services.

Undeterred by the rain, residents also raised concerns about the Western Cape’s Education Department (WCED)'s plan to cull 2,407 teacher posts.

Member of the Bishop Lavis Action Community, Rodney Zeeburg, said that the group wanted a shift in government spending to focus on education and healthcare in disadvantaged areas.

"We are utterly concerned about the quality of education, given the austere measures being taken by both the provincial and the national government with regards to the social issues and social services to our working-class communities."

The Bishop Lavis Action Community believes these issues worsen economic inequality.