A petition opposing the development of a new primary school on government owned land in Ballito has gained rapid traction, reaching over 700 signatures this week following a heated Ward 6 public meeting last Wednesday.

Launched by Elmarie Brett, the petition appeals for “the protection of Erf 837, a vital piece of green space that supports the wildlife which still calls our neighbourhood home.”

“Green spaces like this help maintain biodiversity, contribute to the wellbeing of residents, and uphold the natural character that makes Ballito special,” reads the petition.

The petition comes in the wake of last week’s ward meeting, held at the Ballito Library and filled beyond capacity, which saw residents clash over plans for Game Changers Primary School, which has secured a 30-year lease to occupy half of Erf 837.

The five-hectare site, owned by Public Works and zoned for educational use since 1976, has remained undeveloped for decades. The land lies between Zen and Hillary Drive, adjacent to the public park.

Despite the zoning, residents expressed frustration at the perceived lack of public participation. Ward 22 councillor Privi Makhan told attendees the project does not trigger formal consultation processes because the land’s educational zoning is already approved.

Instead, it will undergo two internal municipal reviews:

1. Site development plan – assessed by KwaDukuza traffic, civil engineering, water, and environmental departments.

2. Building plan approval.

Makhan said the ward councillor would monitor the process and keep residents updated.

Resident Ken Lever said the processes needed to be interrogated.

“We as a community love public open space. There is also a need for educational facilities but the process needs to be correct,” he said.

The loudest concerns centred on wildlife and the ecological sensitivity of the site. Residents questioned whether an environmental impact assessment had been done.

School co-founder Phillip Bowyer confirmed an EIA inquiry has been submitted and said preliminary findings identified two protected features: Natal grassland and a milkwood tree. He emphasised that the school’s design avoids concrete structures and uses relocatable wooden buildings planned around existing trees.

Ballito Neighbourhood Watch chairperson Morne Steffens also addressed claims that the school had cleared vegetation, clarifying that Public Works conducts routine bush clearing on the property several times a year.

Opinions remain polarised. Many residents argue the land should remain green space, while others, including KwaDukuza Residents Forum chairperson Warwick Chapman, questioned whether the site is as pristine as claimed.

“You have to ask yourselves,” Chapman said, “do you want this small school that is gentle on the environment, or the next corporate to come along and build a concrete jungle?”

With a petition now circulating and official processes underway, the future of Erf 837 looks set to remain a flashpoint for Ballito residents in the weeks ahead.

At the meeting, school co-founders Phillip and Rachel Bowyer, who live in Ballito, presented on the school’s history and its ongoing search for properly zoned land.

They say Game Changers aims to offer a more affordable independent-school option, with a model that subsidises low-income pupils through school fees paid by higher-income families.

In 2026 fees range from R875 to R4 500 per month. The school currently has 40 pupils and plans to expand to 240 once established at its new location.

Editor’s note: The reporter is a parent at the school referenced in this article.

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