More than 200 KZN schools to close
AS part of the Transformation of the Schooling System (TSS) programme, 255 non-viable KZN schools will be permanently closed and pupils relocated to other schools.
The programme has been implemented to eliminate inequality, streamline schools, consolidate nonviable schools, optimise use of human and material resources, and essentially establish schools as centres of excellence.
The KZN Department of Education (DoE) announced that 70 high schools and 185 primary schools will be closed in the 2023/24 financial year, with a total of around 1 000 schools closed by 2028.
Most of these schools are in rural areas, according to KZN HoD Nkosinathi Ngcobo, who explained officials are engaging with the impacted schools through the School Rationalisation and Realignment Process (SRRP). “Pupils from the identified schools will be moved to nearby schools,
and learner transport will be provided where necessary. Teachers from those schools will be redeployed to the facilities where their services are needed,” he said.
Ngcobo explained that the department is not 'trigger-happy' to close schools, but is focusing on those with low learner enrolment, where the quality of teaching and learning is not being realised.
“We have a constitutional responsibility to provide quality basic education. According to the law, schools with an enrolment of fewer than 135 primary school learners and fewer than 200 secondary school learners does not meet the minimum standards.
“Our department has resolved to focus on schools with fewer than 50 in primary schools and fewer than 100 in secondary schools as not meeting the minimum requirements of norms and standards. This process excludes special needs schools, schools of specialisation, and technical schools.”
He said in some instances, schools are on privately owned land and landowners are reluctant to sign the Permission to Occupy, with some chasing learners away. Education MEC Mbali Frazer said no pupils would be without teaching and learning because of the school closures.