The future of learners at Matalaza Primary School in the Holmdene-area, has not been decided yet.
The Standerton Advertiser gave front page coverage to the situation in its edition of January 21, highlighting the position of the learners versus the Department of Education in Mpumalanga.
According to the spokesman of the department, Mr Jasper Zwane, the closure of the school, as reported, is in the best interest of the learners.
The chairman of the school governing body, Mr Tshepo Hlatshwayo, visited the newspaper’s offices on Tuesday, January 25.
“I don’t want to hide anything,” Mr Hlatshwayo said.
The newspaper could not publish the name of the official of the department in the previous article, since it was withheld.
Mr Hlatshwayo said meetings began last year and he went to the department’s offices in Ermelo as well.
Matalaza Primary School has three teachers and a principal to accommodate the number of learners.
According to Mr Hlatshwayo, the department did not keep to their promise of informing the parents about what lies ahead.
He also said a new official from the department met with the SGB this year and informed them about the closure.
At this stage, Matalaza is still open and the department seemingly wants the learners to be sent to Vukekuseni Primary School.
“The department told us that mobile classrooms will be provided,” he added.
He queries the length of time it would take for completion of the mobile units.
“The department should first build classrooms before sending learners to Vukekuseni,” he commented.
The temperature inside mobile classrooms was also discussed, scorching heat in summer and freezing cold in winter.
Mr Hlatshwayo mentioned that learners at Matalaza have to be be counted and estimated the number at 113 children.
No referral letters are allegedly given to learners when leaving the school for secondary education, which means they are not registered on the system.
A figure of 40 children was mentioned at a meeting between the department and the SGB.
Mr Zwane also talked about schools with learners less than 50, as reported.
“Where are those 73 children registered now,” Mr Hlatshwayo asked.
“The Minister of Education, Ms Angie Motshekga, should visit the school and inform us that it is closing.“
No time was given to the parents to make alternative arrangements.
“The children can’t focus on their studies and have lost concentration,” he concluded.
The Standerton Advertiser contacted Mr Zwane on Wednesday, January 26, via WhatsApp, saying information has come to light that the school has 113 children.
Readers will be updated on the department’s comment.
