PLG pulls out of Ballito

The troubled PLG Ballito Academy – in and out of court for the last two years – is to close unless a last-ditch rescue attempt by headmaster Richard Lennox succeeds.

The shock announcement that PLG has run out of options in its fight with KwaDukuza council over its illegal presence in the Ballito business park was made to staff and parents yesterday.

The 39 staff and 272 pupils were told in a letter from Lennox on Tuesday that the academy will cease to operate as a PLG school.

Ever since the school opened its doors in February 2015, it has been a target of complaints by property owners in the park. The council took it to court for disregarding local building laws and the Durban high court ruled that it had to get its affairs in order by the end of the year or shut its doors.

However, in a letter to parents, Lennox said he was in discussion with the office of  Mayor Ricardo Mthembu in the hopes of finding ways to save the school, without PLG backing.

“We have investigated a number of sites to move the school in the interim, as well as a site we believe would be ideal for the future success and growth of the school,” he said.

“Ballito desperately needs a school like ours and I have done and am doing everything in my power to ensure its continued success.”

PLG Schools head office was tight-lipped about its reasons for pulling out.

“At this time, since the matter remains a legal one, we will not be commenting,” said marketing manager Heidi Hirner.

PLG Schools CEO Andrew McLachlan has also sent a letter to the parents:

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