Minister's school closure plans must put learners' needs first
11 January 2015
The Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, stated in an interview with the Sunday Times newspaper today, that she favours the closure of schools that have 135 pupils or less and that work has begun on amending the South African Schools Act to allow for such closures. The Minister went even further, saying that she would close at least 1000 schools in the Eastern Cape. She is putting the cart way before the horse (see report).
While we agree with implementing steps to improve education provisioning by the closure of small schools, which often are multi-grade and lack teachers and resources, we caution against the Minister's intention of uniformly closing all schools with 135 students or less as some of these schools are necessary given location.
Every proposed closure can be done in terms of the current legislation, which, at least, protects the rights of children and communities to have their voices properly heard before changes are made.
There is in fact no need to change the law if the Department is committed to following proper processes and carefully considering the implications of each case. Closure of small schools will increase the need for scholar transport and for school hostels. Schools to which learners are sent will have to be large and well-resourced enough to receive the new learners. All of these consequences must be carefully considered.
The aim of school closures is to improve opportunities for learners by placing them in schools better equipped to provide a quality education. School closures are a common occurrence throughout the country and internationally and form a part of any provincial department's education strategy when re-evaluating and assessing the size, shape and needs of their education system.
Last year the ANC in the Western Cape endeavoured to prevent school closures but fell short following Supreme Court of Appeal judgement that reaffirmed the right of provincial education departments to do so in the interests of effective resource management for better education. That the ANC has been silent on closures of schools in provinces other than the Western Cape ranks of hypocrisy.
Closing a school is sometimes a necessary step in improving an education system. However, a decision to close a school should be made with restraint, taking into consideration every possible position, and only after following proper procedure. It is most concerning that the Minister is attempting to cut procedural corners, allowing the closure of schools to be done in a potentially rushed and ill-thought-through manner.
Some provinces, such as the Eastern Cape which she has singled out for special mention, struggle with proper planning and following proper procedure. Any legislative changes that might allow dysfunctional provinces to shortcut current legal requirements, potentially to the detriment of learners and quality education, must be countered.
We call on the Minister apply proper consideration to any possible legislative change to ensure the best possible outcome for the learners who will be affected.
Statement issued by Annette Lovemore MP, DA Shadow Minister of Basic Education, January 11 2015
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