Learners at Tuscany Glen High School in Blue Downs say they are fed up with the ongoing delays and excuses around their Matric Ball jackets which they have been waiting for since March.

The learners, who each paid R1 000 for the jackets, staged a protest inside the school, accusing the school of failing to provide answers.

One learner said: “We were protesting because we didn’t get our matric jackets, only those wearing medium. They are not updating us, the supplier is saying that the school is the problem, they didn’t pay. We tried talking to the principal, but he did not answer us in the proper way. 

“All they say is that they are trying to get the matric jackets, and they can’t get hold of the supplier. The matric year is almost finished, and we paid in March already.

“We see all these matriculants wear their jackets and we still don’t have ours. It’s frustrating and heartbreaking.”

The learner said when they contacted the suppliers, it was explained that part of the order was completed, with the delay linked to non-payment from the school. 

“We understand that not the full amount was paid, but more than 50 of us are waiting, and we paid in full R1000. Why not just give us who paid already.”

Learners claim the principal recently told them they would only receive their jackets once everyone had finished paying.

Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department, confirmed that Grade 12 learners had staged a protest following the continued delays.

Hammond said: “As per the school’s arrangement with the supplier, the school paid R75,000 representing 60% of the total cost by the end of March. 

“The agreed lead time was 6–8 weeks, with delivery scheduled for the end of May. There has been a delay throughout the process due to unavailable padding material delaying production, incorrect spelling of names which required correction and design discrepancies.”

She added that on 1 August the supplier allegedly informed the school that some of the jackets were completed and ready for release, pending full payment, while production of the larger sizes was still underway.

“To date, a total of R105,000 has been paid to the supplier. The outstanding balance is R47,150. The school is still waiting for payment from various persons. 

“Due to financial constraints of some parents, these fees are still forthcoming, representing a shortfall. Between 11 and 15 August, several meetings were held with the supplier, during which a payment arrangement was agreed upon. The school remains committed to resolving the matter swiftly and transparently,” Hammond said.

Despite this assurance, learners say their patience has worn thin, with more than 50 still waiting for their jackets months after payment.

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus 

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