By Anita Dangazele
More than one thousand schools in the Eastern Cape are set to close permanently because of low student enrolment.
Most of the schools are primary schools situated in rural parts of the province.
The closure of these schools is part of the rationalisation programme which aims to improve the allocation of resources for public schools.
Eastern Cape Education MEC, Fundile Gade, was tabling his plans as he begins his second term in the seventh administration.
He said the consultation process with the affected schools and communities has begun.
“For us to have an effective schooling system we need to reduce the number of small, unviable schools in the Eastern Cape so that we can get the 100% pass rate we are aiming for,” Gade said.
He said the department is aiming for an 85% matric pass rate for the year 2024, and to achieve this the department will pay close attention to matriculants who are struggling academically.
“My greatest worry is the continuation of these progressed learners; almost 10 000 of them in the province have never seen a pass. They are a product of progression,” Gade said.
Gade said scholar transport problems have been resolved. The beginning of the school year was interrupted by non-payment earlier this year, resulting in thousands of learners across the province not being able to attend school.
Pictured Above: An Eastern Cape School.
Image source: Facebook
