Marc Hasenfuss: Market Watch

the current teacher: pupil ratio could drop as low as 1:32.

There is also the potential to positively influence curriculum standards and results.

Van der Merwe also believes government would do well to flog state land to independent school operators. He reckons if 200 such erven were sold — “at a reasonable price” — the state would bank proceeds of R3.2bn, save R24bn on campus construction and save R70bn on running costs (assuming R25m/year over 14 years). Van der Merwe also argues for converting state buildings in city and town centres into schools that are operated by or leased to independent school operators. Obviously, schools managed and funded by private school operators will relieve state schools from overcrowding.

The most contentious suggestion by Van der Merwe is around halting the deterioration of curriculum standards and the physical condition of state schools, which has caused parents to move children to schools that are often far away from their homes. He thinks government should consider selling or leasing existing state schools to independent operators, who will then invest capital and manage the schools.

This, I contend, is tantamount to suggesting the super-efficient (and highly profitable) private hospitals take over the running of dilapidated public hospitals. I can’t imagine too enthusiastic a response from either government or private hospitals.

Of course, parents might feel very strongly about having smoothly functioning schools closer to learners’ homes (saving on transport costs and creating more studying time) as well as an opportunity to enhance the quality of schooling.