Hope for gangland pupils

Grade 12 pupils in a gang-ridden Cape Flats community are being tutored at a special "spring school" as the education authorities step in to avert falling pass rates.

Just 32 days before pupils write their final matric examinations, Western Cape education authorities said Manenberg pupils are "at risk" of failing matric this year.

More than 50 people have been killed or injured in the township in recent months and 16 schools were closed for two days last month when gang violence intensified.

Yesterday, education MEC Donald Grant visited the Alexander Sinton High School, in Athlone, one of 131 spring schools across the province at which Grade 12 students are being tutored in mathematics, English, accounting and other subjects.

"Pupils from three schools in Manenberg have registered to attend [classes at the spring school]. These schools - Manenberg High, Silverstream High and Phoenix High - were all affected by prolonged gang violence in the area which disrupted teaching," said Grant.

He said his department had hired 40 "lead teachers" from across the Cape metro to teach the classes.

Despite the deadly environment in which they live, Manenberg pupils are optimistic about their future.

Chaney Snyders, 19, a Manenberg High School pupil, said she was studying hard to become a lawyer.

"I am delighted to be on this programme," she said.

"I live in the heart of the shootings. It affects my studies but, as a lawyer, I will be able to influence the community for the better."

Shafeeq Hector, 18, a Phoenix High School pupil, wants to start his own business and create jobs that will keep his peers away from crime.

"The violence is affecting our school work. Even though the gangs made peace, the shootings are still going on," said Shafeeq.

Grant said his department wanted to ensure that more than 40 000 pupils pass matric this year.

"It's my last year in office and I would like to have a little Christmas present from you," Grant told the pupils.