Motshekga settles norms and standards out of court

"In an out of court settlement ... Minister Motshekga has agreed to promulgate regulations to create binding minimum norms and standards for school infrastructure," Equal Education chairperson Yoliswa Dwane, said on Sunday.

She said according to the settlement the norms and standards would be published for public comment by January 15, and finalised by May 15. The regulations will require every school in South Africa to meet a minimum, but acceptable, level of school infrastructure which was conducive to learning and teaching.

The norms and standards must provide for in respect of school infrastructure, the availability of classrooms, electricity, water, sanitation, a library, laboratories for science, technology, mathematics and life sciences, sport and recreational facilities, electronic connectivity at a school and perimeter security.

"Equal Education welcomes Minister Motshekga's decision to take this step. Already prior to her decision all nine provincial education ministers and the minister of finance chose not to oppose the court case." – Sapa