The future of learners at Matalaza Primary School hangs in the balance.
A concerned resident contacted the Standerton Advertiser on Wednesday, January 12 about the possible closure of the school.
It is situated 18km out of town on the busy R23 Road in the Holmdene-area.
The newspaper contacted the school the same day and asked whether there is any truth to the information obtained.
Although properly identified, the person, at the end of the line, did not wish to give his name on the grounds that the newspaper was protecting its source.
The question as to where the number was obtained, was duly answered, saying the contact details are provided on the internet.
What could be established however, was that there are issues with the Department of Education and a meeting with the school governing body, was to take place the evening at 18:00.
A stalemate was reached when no further details were forthcoming until the newspaper identifies its source.
According to the source, the meeting did take place and Friday was the date mentioned, for the school to close down.
The Standerton Advertiser contacted the provincial spokesman of the department, Mr Jasper Zwane, on Thursday, January 14.
Mr Zwane said the department has challenges relating to unviable schools.
The number of learners at specific, smallish schools seems to be one of the the underlying issues.
“We began consultations with the school last year,” Mr Zwane also said.
Safety of learners is an additional complication.
According to Mr Zwane, officials of the department were at the school, engaging with stakeholders.
The source added that a meeting with the Matalaza-parents was scheduled for Saturday, January 15.
Mr Zwane undertook to furnish the department’s take on the situation before 12:00 on Friday.
“This school has a few learners, less than 50 and falls within the category of schools that needs to be closed,” he said.
“This is done to ensure that learners are exposed to quality education.
“Consultations with parents were done last year and it is still ongoing.”
He concluded by saying the department holds the view that closure is in the best interest of the learners.
