The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) government plans to close at least 967 primary and high schools in the province after they had been deemed non-viable. There are several reasons why a school may be regarded as “non-viable”. However, opposition parties in the province have criticised this decision.
Why A School May Be Deemed Non-Viable
During the State of the Province Address, KZN Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, revealed that non-viable schools would be repurposed for various community development initiatives.
In South Africa, the minimum norms and requirements for public schools classify schools with less than 135 enrolled learners in primary schools, and less than 200 enrolled learners in high schools, as not meeting the minimum standards and therefore deem them non-viable.
However, the KZN Department will only be focused on schools with less than 50 pupils in primary schools and less than 100 pupils in secondary schools. This excludes Special Schools, Schools of Specialisation and Technical Schools.
Reasons for a decline in learner enrolment include:
- The migration of communities from rural to urban areas.
- Some schools are situated on privately-owned land and landowners are not willing to grant permission for land occupation. This also makes it challenging for the government to build new schools and improve existing ones.
- Violence near or on school grounds.
- Poor academic performance, which may result in parents relocating their children.
- Communities opposing educators and driving them away.
- The slow pace of development in some areas.
What Will Happen To Teachers And Learners From Non-Viable Schools?
One of the major concerns regarding this decision is what will happen to educators and learners at schools that are due to be closed down.
However, the KZN MEC for Education, Mbali Frazer, reassured parents and concerned parties. “No educator will become unemployed, and no learner will be unable to attend school as a result of the closure of their non-viable school."
Teachers and learners from non-viable schools will be placed in nearby, viable schools. Teachers and learners from the closed school will likely be placed in the same viable school.
What Will Non-Viable Schools Be Used For?
A large percentage of these schools will be used for education and training purposes. Non-viable schools are to be transformed into community colleges that focus on artisanal and small business skills.
The initiative aims to enhance the employability of beneficiaries by ensuring that they are equipped with skills and knowledge that are currently in high demand in the job market.
The initiative further focuses on developing an entrepreneurial mindset and increasing the number of people who aim to start their own businesses.
Partnerships are to be established with industries and businesses to ensure that these training programmes align with in-demand skills in the labour market.
The project will actively engage with the local community to make a positive developmental impact. Collaboration with local organisations, community leaders, and employers will be pursued to identify specific skills gaps and training needs within the community and districts.
Criticism Of The Closing Of Non-Viable Schools
While it acknowledged that these schools should be shut down, the KZN government has not allocated a budget to carry out this process. One of the political parties criticising this decision is the Democratic Alliance (DA).
DA Member of Provincial Legislature, Imraan Keeka, sat down with Newzroom Afrika earlier this week to weigh in on the matter.
When learners are relocated to neighbouring schools, the issue of transport comes into play. Last month, the KZN Education Department announced that learner transport would be provided.
However, Keeka revealed that when he questioned the Department on this matter, it was found that no budget had been allocated for learner transport.
Aside from this, the buildings that are to be handed over for other purposes are in poor condition. When questioned on this matter, Fraser revealed that no money had been spent on the upkeep of these buildings.
These non-viable schools, which are in terrible condition, and many have become places of crime, are now left to the community to deal with.
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Keeka states that rather than closing schools, this process should be halted until the specifics have been properly thought out, adequate funding has been acquired and the new process should involve public participation.
