Still no answers on primary school

PARENTS and residents yesterday again disrupted schooling at Manenberg Primary School, locking out teachers and pupils demanding that the Western Cape Education Department give them answers on persistent rumours that the school would be shut.

Manenberg resident Miriam Jacobssaid their community returned yesterday and would not allow the school to open until officials provided them with answers.

“We changed the padlocks at the gates and locked everyone out of the school. This started last week when we came to the school and the officials could not give us answers and we will continue till they do,” said Jacobs.

She said the parents, School Governing Body and teachers were united in demanding answers as they would not allow their school to be taken away.

Parent Leoni Adonis said her three daughters felt safe at the school, were familiar with the teachers and the community wanted the school upgraded not closed.

She said there had never been incidents of violence at Manenberg Primary, and the after-school programmes and activities available for their children should not be taken away.

WCED spokesperson Paddy Attwellconfirmed that the provincial government and the City along with community partners were planning a major urban renewal programme in Manenberg, and have been working on this plan since 2015.

“Premier Helen Zille announced the programme in her State of the Province address in February; education will form a major part of this,” he said. Planning included three new primary schools with the latest facilities, and a school of skills for the area, he said.

“What we can say at this stage is that the Manenberg Upgrade Plan includes a youth lifestyle campus comprising a network of schools and afterschool facilities, linked by safe walkways. The department will continue to consult with interested parties as we finalise our proposals, as required by procedure and good practice.” – dominic.adriaanse@