The sudden decision will have major financial implications for Cambridge who will now have to pay market value for the piece of land between Midwater and Soutpansberg Road.

Council has resolved during last Thursday’s sitting, that a price of R34,5 million will have to be settled by Cambridge.

According to Acting Municipal Manager, Mr Mandla Mnguni, the municipality is definitely not against the establishment of an English-medium school, though Cambridge is a private institution with sky high enrollment and annual school fees, totalling more than R40 000 per year for the senior phase.

“It is clear to council that the school can afford to settle at market value,” Mr Mnguni said.

The decision to rescind the donation of land to Cambridge to establish the school, has not been communicated to the eMalahleni based private school.

“It will take five working days for the resolution to be communicated, and coupled with the school holiday, perhaps longer,” Mr Mnguni said.

Cambridge will be responsible for all services connections, and building plans will have to be approved by council, before development commences.

Registration, transfer, town planning, rezoning, geo-technical and all legal costs, will also have to be settled by Cambridge.

Cambridge will also be responsible for the subdivision of the Remainder of Erf 2415, to exclude the Kruger Dam waterworks from the property.

All damages to municipal services, like water and power lines, will also have to be fixed by Cambridge.

If Cambridge fail to make the purchase within 90-days, the property will be sold off in a public bidding process.

The school could not be reached for comment.