The schooling of about 15 000 children in the Northern Cape is to be disrupted, South African Broadcasting Corporation news has reported.
This follows a decision by the provincial department of education to merge several schools in the Frances Baard municipal district. The status of the schools is contrary to the national education policy.
Five years ago, the provincial department segregated about 70 schools within the municipality. This was despite resistance from parents, teachers as well as teachers’ unions. The schools were split into foundation, intermediate and senior phases. The Northern Cape department said this went against policy and that schools must merge again.
A spokesperson for the municipality, Kedibone Sesenyamotse, said: ”No one will be negatively affected by the move. We will not tamper with anybody’s benefits or conditions of employment. For that reason we’re walking this route with a teacher’s union”.
About 25 of about 100 schools will merge, and more than 50 schools will have to change their curriculum starting from next year. — Sapa