MOSSEL BAY NEWS - While the annual Poort jump is expected to go ahead today, 9 October, a notice the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) sent Point High School on Monday 5 October has rendered this institution unable to approve, organise, authorise or support this annual tradition.
It said the WCED’s notice contained important guidelines on safety measures, supervision, risk management and approval for such activities.
“The school considers it essential to bring the contents of this communication, as well as its implications for the planned Grade 12 tradition, to the attention of all parents and guardians.”
The school said it only had three days between the receipt of the WCED’s communication and the jump itself, and that it must prioritise the safety and well-being of its learners.
“Water-based activities carry inherent risks, including the danger of drowning and other water-related injuries. The fact that an activity is a tradition does not eliminate these risks,” stated the school.
“Punt High School’s position is therefore that the school cannot approve, authorise, organise or support the planned jump into the Poort while wearing school uniforms on Friday ...
“The WCED’s minute specifically concerns water-based activities during school excursions and excludes formal school programmes, curriculum activities and officially approved sporting activities. The minute must therefore be interpreted within its applicable context. Nevertheless, the school’s decision not to approve or support the planned activity remains unchanged.
“It must, however, be clearly understood that such a discussion does not constitute permission for the activity. Parents’ willingness to supervise does not, in itself, replace any applicable legal requirements, safety measures or prescribed approval processes.
“We earnestly appeal to all parents and guardians to discuss this matter with their children and encourage them to make responsible decisions.
“Punt High School is proud of our Grade 12 learners and would like them to conclude their school careers in a positive, dignified and safe manner. We want this special period to be remembered for the good memories it creates, rather than for a preventable accident or injury.”
The school issued a comprehensive statement about its decision in lieu of the WCED’s notice.
Read the full statement below.
Dear Parents and Guardians
The school would like to communicate with you regarding the long-standing tradition whereby our Grade 12 learners jump into the Poort after school on their last day of school, often while wearing their school uniforms.
On Monday, 5 October 2026, Punt High School received the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) interpretation of the Institutional Development and Coordination Minute 0001/2026. The minute deals with Water-Based Activities During School Excursions and contains important guidelines regarding safety measures, supervision, risk management and the approval of such activities.
The school considers it essential to bring the contents of this communication, as well as its implications for the planned Grade 12 tradition, to the attention of all parents and guardians.
1. Important WCED guidelines and safety requirements
The WCED minute sets out specific requirements for the planning and management of water-based activities forming part of school excursions.
1.1 Risk assessment
According to paragraph 3.1, a risk assessment must be conducted when planning school excursions involving water-based activities. The prescribed WCED template must be used for this purpose and submitted with the application.
1.2 Supervision and safety
Paragraph 3.2 refers to the Regulations for Safety Measures at Public Schools, published in Government Gazette No. 22754 of 12 October 2001, as amended. These regulations require schools to take reasonable steps to ensure learners’ safety during school activities. This includes adequate adult supervision and maintaining the appropriate ratio of adults to learners.
Where swimming activities take place, competent adults who are strong swimmers and, where necessary, qualified lifeguards must supervise learners. At least one adult responsible for supervision must have completed a certified first-aid course, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), during the preceding three years.
1.3 Written parental consent
Paragraph 3.3 stipulates that written parental consent is compulsory for all tours and excursions. Parents must be fully informed about the programme and any planned water-based activities. Explicit consent for participation in such activities, as well as confirmation of the learner’s swimming ability and proficiency, is required.
1.4 Insurance and water safety equipment
According to paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5, schools are strongly advised to obtain additional indemnity insurance where potential danger exists. Appropriate water safety equipment, such as life jackets and lifebuoys, must be available and provided where applicable.
1.5 Advance planning and approval
Paragraph 3.6 of the WCED minute stipulates that school excursions must be approved by the School Governing Body at least three months before the planned date. The prescribed WCED application form must be submitted to the circuit manager at least two months before the planned excursion. The circuit manager’s recommendation and the district director’s approval must be obtained before the excursion may take place.
2. Receipt of the WCED minute and the time available
It is important for parents to note that Punt High School received the above-mentioned WCED minute only on 5 October 2026.
The Grade 12 tradition in question is planned for Friday, 9 October 2026. This leaves the school with only three days between receipt of the communication and the intended activity.
It is therefore not possible to comply with the prescribed planning, risk assessment, application and approval processes within this period. The required timeframes cannot be met within three days, and the necessary recommendation and approval cannot be regarded as having been obtained if the prescribed process has not been completed.
The school is therefore unable to authorise or support the activity through the prescribed process within the available timeframe.
3. The school’s official position on the tradition
The school understands that jumping into the Poort represents a special emotional and symbolic conclusion to their school careers for many Grade 12 learners. We respect the significance this tradition holds for our matric learners and their families.
However, the safety and well-being of our learners must always take priority. Water-based activities carry inherent risks, including the danger of drowning and other water-related injuries. The fact that an activity is a tradition does not eliminate these risks.
Punt High School’s position is therefore that the school cannot approve, authorise, organise or support the planned jump into the Poort while wearing school uniforms on Friday, 9 October 2026.
This decision arises from the limited time available to follow the prescribed approval process, the safety risks associated with water-based activities, and the school’s responsibility to take the well-being of our learners seriously.
The WCED minute specifically concerns water-based activities during school excursions and excludes formal school programmes, curriculum activities and officially approved sporting activities. The minute must therefore be interpreted within its applicable context. Nevertheless, the school’s decision not to approve or support the planned activity remains unchanged.
4. Possible discussions with parents
The school understands that some parents may wish to support their children in this regard and may be willing to voluntarily accept responsibility for the necessary supervision and arrangements.
Should parents wish to discuss this option, they are welcome to request a meeting with the principal in advance. The purpose of such a meeting would be to discuss the matter and clarify the applicable safety requirements and responsibilities.
It must, however, be clearly understood that such a discussion does not constitute permission for the activity. Parents’ willingness to supervise does not, in itself, replace any applicable legal requirements, safety measures or prescribed approval processes.
The school’s position remains that Punt High School does not authorise, organise or support the planned activity on Friday, 9 October 2026.
5. Request for parental cooperation
We earnestly appeal to all parents and guardians to discuss this matter with their children and encourage them to make responsible decisions.
Punt High School is proud of our Grade 12 learners and would like them to conclude their school careers in a positive, dignified and safe manner. We want this special period to be remembered for the good memories it creates, rather than for a preventable accident or injury.
We trust in your understanding and cooperation in placing the safety and well-being of our learners first.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
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