Trichardtsfontein Combined School openes again

TRICHARDT – Trichardtsfontein Combined School has been reopened and is back in operation after it was closed for about two weeks.

This was after the Mpumalanga Department of Education owed the owner of the farm on which the school is situated, Mr Jan Brits, about R3 million in rent for the school.

Mr Brits obtained a High Court order to lock the doors of the school and the 296 Grade R to grade 9 pupils have not had lessons for eight days.

It was apparently agreed upon that the Department would pay R442 238 and also sign a settlement agreement committing to paying R2.8 million before August 24.

Mr Maandag Mahlangu, SGB member, confirmed that pupils were back at school and that the matter has not yet been settled.

He said it is still at the High Court, but he hopes that it will be settled for good soon.

The Democratic Alliance sent an urgent letter to the MEC of Education with regards to the continuing problems at the Trichardtfontein Combined School.

Mr Anthony Benadie, DA Member of the Provincial Legislator, said a payment of about R450 000 was made last week, but the Department has now refused to sign an acknowledgement of debt for the remainder of the money owed.

“The DA wishes to express our gratitude to the landowner who has taken it upon himself to open the gates of the school today while receiving no support from the Department of Education.

“Unfortunately, the school will not remain open should the Department of Education not make full and final settlement of the account by the last day of this month.

“The DA would like to urge the MEC to intervene as a matter of urgency to ensure that this school is not closed again.

“The pupils of Trichardtsfontein should not be bearing the brunt of the Department’s financial challenges and their success at the end of the school year lies firmly in the hands of the MEC of Education.”

The Department of Education did not comment at time of going to press.