POLOKWANE – The Department of Education says the consultation process of merging Lotanang Primary School with Snell Phoshoko Primary School in Seshego Zone 2 was correctly followed.
Parents in the area have lashed out at the department, saying they were unaware of the situation and were not consulted, which led to gatherings outside Lotanang’s gates over the past few weeks.
Education Spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene told BONUS that several consultations were held with the Lotanang School Governing Board (SGB), and parents and that the SGB of Snell Phoshoko Primary School were also consulted.
The department cited ageing infrastructure as one of the main reasons for the merge, saying learners are unable to follow proper Covid-19 protocol as classrooms are too crowded.
Parents, however, say the merge will lead to further overcrowding and that Snell Phoshoko does not have adequate sanitation facilities.
One parent told BONUS they had received a letter a few months ago, informing them of the merge but said they do not believe the merger is a good idea and that they feel the department has disrespected them.
“This move won’t be safe. It is far for our children to walk to Snell Phoshoko,” she added.
Chuene explained that Lotanang only has three teachers, including the principal, and that there are 62 learners (Gr R to Gr 7) who would move.
“The school is no longer viable. At this point, what is left is for the relevant office to make a submission to the MEC, Polly Boshielo to gazette it. It is already in the final stage of the merge,” she said.
Meanwhile, in Moletjie, parents of learners at Modumo Secondary School say they are concerned and scared for their children’s safety and are calling for the department to move them to mobile classes at Magoshi Primary School.
A parent told BONUS that the school is situated in an isolated area and that there have been muggings that have occurred in the past.
“As parents we feel it is important for the department to intervene and move our children to a school where they will be safer,” he said.
The department’s District Director, Direct Mothemane, responded to the matter saying parents were all informed and advised to move their children to Radipitsi Secondary School, which is also situated in Moletjie, as there is enough space for all learners to adhere to Covid-19 protocol.
“We have offered for parents to take their children to a school we thought was a good fit for all learners, but they insisted on taking them to Magoshi Primary School, where learners are now rotating classes. The offer and an opportunity of taking them to Radipitsi Secondary School still stands. As parents have also complained about distance, the department is also offering school buses to transport learners to school and safely back home,” he concluded.
