Schools merger needs proper discussion

All the necessary planning and provision of resources should be in place before any schools in Capricorn district will be closed and merged with others, stakeholders were informed at a consultation meeting with Ishmael Kgetjepe, MEC for Education at Hoër Tegniese Skool Tom Naudé on Friday.
Officials from the Department of Education, members of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and educators filled the school hall to capacity.
Matthew Mhlongo, Learners Social Support Programmes Chief Director of the Department of Education, delivered a presentation on the proposed merger of schools and cautioned stakeholders not to rush into the process. Mhlongo said that certain processes have to be followed. “The SGBs of schools that are identified for merging, should convene a meeting to constitute a single interim SGB consisting of all the members of the SGBs concerned to decide on the budget differences and code of conduct on school fees,” Mhlongo explained and added that if a fee paying school merges with a no fee paying school, a no fee policy will apply for all learners. “The merger of schools must take into account the diverse religious communities in which they are situated and consider the primary language of learners especially in the foundation phase,” Mhlongo said.
Mhlongo stated that learners that are travelling a minimum of a 5 km single trip per day, will be provided with transport and that no existing benefits will be taken away. “Learners will continue to derive benefits of nutritious meals in their new schools if they are merged,” Mhlongo assured concerned stakeholders.
Stakeholders took the opportunity to pose questions to the panel which included the MEC and elaboration on the processes was provided.
“Invest in education, invest in the future of our economy,” Mhlongo concluded.

Story: BARRY VILJOEN
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