Bishop Bavin Closure: Wrongs need to be made right says parent
Phindi Dlamini, parent of a Grade Seven learner, said she was notified about the closure on June 11 during a parents' evening hosted by the Diocese.
After the sudden closure of Bishop Bavin School, a parent expressed her outrage.
Phindi Dlamini, parent of a Grade Seven learner, said she was notified about the closure on June 11 during a parents’ evening hosted by the Diocese.
Dlamini said prior to the meeting, parents attended another meeting where Bishop Steve Moreo told parents the future of the school was not in question.
ALSO READ:
Our lives have been turned upside down – Bishop Bavin teachers
“The bishop then said the Anglican Diocese was going to take over everything and establish a new board.
“He told us the new board is going to focus on making sure the school is sustainable and has the right measures in place.”
To Dlamini, this was a promise for a future for the school.
She said she was shocked but relieved when parents were told the Diocese was to take over the school.
“As a parent, I am aware the school has been in some sort of financial difficulties for some years,” she said.
“If you are going to talk finances, call the former board members in. Don’t tell parents its only about the school fees.”
ALSO READ:
Decision to close Bishop Bavin was painful says church
Like some teachers, she also alleged a lack of transparency about the finances.
“Because of their shortcomings, I now have a child sitting at home in a panic wondering where she is going to school, even though I have paid full school fees for the year of R96 000. This is unfair to my child and myself,” said Dlamini.
She said she is now expected to find another school during a pandemic.
“The Diocese has not assisted me in securing a school for my child. All they have done is give me a list of schools, which I can do by myself.
What I need is assistance getting my child into another school.”
She also said negotiations for school fees would’ve sufficed and eased the situation.
“I am perplexed they have not tried to come up with a plan as to how to refund us. I can understand it won’t be immediate, but there has been no intent to meet us halfway,” said Dlamini.
“We were told there will be no refunds. They were insensitive to this whole situation,” said Dlamini.
She further alleged the school’s total debt is questionable.
ALSO READ:
Former board chair adamant potential investors could have kept Bishop Bavin doors open
“I heard of three different amounts, being R9-million, R25-m and R35-m. From teachers and other sources I heard the debt was R57-m and then R71-m.
“At this point, nobody actually knows what the amount is.
“The debt does not make sense. Where did all the money go? We’ve been told there are 140 people getting salaries at the school. I do not believe that is the number of staff at the school.
“We need an apology, we need help getting our children into schools with a discount on the fees, we need some sort of recourse,” said Dlamini.
On June 19, Dlamini and others organised a silent protest with up to 60 people participating.
“The march was a demonstration to the Diocese and public to see the faces of the people who have been hurt and affected by this and not given a voice.
“For now, some parents and those affected are looking to take the Diocese to court,” she said.
