Ferrum High School’s 2020 RCL leaders elected

As Ferrum High School teachers explained, the voting conditions were strict and seen as an educational exercise.

February 8, 2020

Zaria Van Dillen 1 minute read

Teacher, J Camphor with the heads of the RCL: Phila Mchunu (vice-chairman), Hendrick Dirks (chairman) and Sinakho Mbuyazi (secretary).

Ferrum High School elected 37 learners on January 21, to form the school’s Representative Council of Learners (RCL). These learners range from Grade 8 to matric (Grade 12).

The South African Schools Act No. 84 of 1996 states: A representative council of learners at the school must be established at every public school enrolling learners in the eighth grade or higher, and such council is the only recognised and legitimate representative learner body at the school.

Principles and functions of the RCL leaders entail:
• Building unity among learners.
• Addressing the needs of the learners.
• Keeping learners informed about events in the school and community.
• Encouraging good relationships between learners and teachers, and between learners and other members of staff.
• Encouraging good relationships between teachers and parents of learners.
• Establishing fruitful links with representative councils of learners in other schools, and with youth organisations.

Ferrum learners were given the opportunity to cast their vote on their own ballot paper, nominating the best candidate who they felt was the most reliable person for the position.

As Ferrum High School teachers explained, the voting conditions were strict and seen as an educational exercise. This in turn would prepare learners for what it would entail when casting their vote in the national elections, when they become eligible.

The Newcastle Advertiser wishes the new leaders all the best for the future.