Desperate local schooling situation

Dolphin Coast parents have made themselves clear: an affordable high school is desperately needed in Ballito.
Scores of parents are still looking for place for their children a week into the school year.
Government schools are full and many parents are unable to afford private school fees. They are also finding waiting lists at private schools are booked years in advance.
The department of education has agreed to build a high school in the area and final details regarding land acquisition are being finalised.
Several parents said the increase in fees from a government primary school to local private high schools is stiff.
Rochelle Badda, who already has a three-year-old, hopes a high school is built before she gives birth to her second child.
“Ballito is growing at such a rapid pace it only makes sense to add the necessary facilities to accommodate the increase in population.”
Ashton International College Ballito has had to introduce more classes but there are still waiting lists for grades 000, 00, R, four, six and seven. The school opened its doors in 2010 to 456 pupils and in its fourth year welcomed 998 pupils.
Junior college head Flick Holmes said they have had to turn pupils away.
“In some cases we have been able to accommodate one or two children in a family, with siblings now on our waiting list.”
Crawford College North Coast has very limited space in lower grades and does not accept new enrolments for grade 12, unless pupils transfer from another Crawford school.
“Due to the limited spaces available the bulk of new registrations take place in January. When spaces become available, children on the waiting list are contacted and offered the opportunity to formally apply. Where possible preference is given to the children of old Crawfordians and siblings,” said managing director Jaco Lotz.
Trinityhouse Palm Lakes, which offers boarding facilities for pupils, still has space available.
Trinityhouse managing director Alex Isaakidis said registration and enrolment remains open throughout the year.
“Naturally the biggest intake at the school is in January, but we do find that pupils join our school throughout the year.”
Most public schools in Stanger and Tongaat reached capacity around October last year.
Stanger Secondary principal Robin Maharaj and Stanger Manor Secondary principal Mervin Gounden said it is not unusual for parents to arrive on the first day of school looking for space.
“We have reached our limit as per department regulations so we cannot accept any more applications. Parents we cannot help will be redirected to the department’s local offices,” said Gounden.
Stanger Manor Primary School principal Logan Reddy said they simply cannot fit any more pupils into the school.
“Many parents leave enrolment to the last minute. We see it every year,” he said.
Nkobongo’s Dinuphuzo Primary School said they were already full, with Tongaat’s Mbonisweni Primary School and Tongaat Secondary School also unable to enrol more pupils.
Mbonisweni’s principal Ziphiwo Mahlobo said they still had parents coming to school wanting to enrol their children but the school had already reached capacity.
Provincial department of education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said most schools are full but there is still space in Ilembe.
“Although we are late we are helping pupils who have not been placed. Parents are encouraged to go to the district office, where there should be a list of schools that have places.”