The provincial education department has entered the fray over a top southern suburbs school’s threat to occupy a nearby empty school, saying it is not true that South Peninsula school is overcrowded.
But principal Brian Isaacs is adamant that it is overcrowded, which is why his school is threatening to take over classrooms at the nearby old Central Primary School. Isaacs says his school is desperate for more space.
Last week, staff and Grade 11 pupils marched to and briefly occupied the empty primary school. Isaacs said they have been waiting since 2006 for a reponse to an application to use the empty space. Central Primary opened in the 1950s, but closed in terms of the Group Areas Act. It was later used by the army for several years.
The national Department of Public Works confirmed yesterday it was aware of the school’s application to use the old school building, but said it had not yet received the necessary application from the provincial government.
”We have simultaneously applied to the national and provincial departments of public works and education, but nothing has happened over the years,” Isaacs said.
“So while the provincial government is blaming its national counterpart, the children at our school have to bear the brunt.”
Bronagh Casey, spokeswoman for education MEC
Donald Grant, condemned the principal’s actions.
She said the MEC’s office is investigating whether the principal had encouraged pupils to take part in protest action during school hours.
However, Isaacs said the protest action took place during the school break and that learners were away from their school for less than an hour.
Casey said the department had a plan that included replacing 15 of South Peninsula’s classrooms with brick and mortar structures.
“We have also proposed expanding the school by a further three classrooms so that we can expand access to this school, as it provides quality education. There are further discussions regarding another additional three classrooms.”
But she denied the school was overcrowded.
Isaacs hit back, accusing the department of prevaricating about the plans for his school.
“We have nothing in writing. There have been officials from the education department, but we do not want mere promises, we want it in writing.”
He added that his school was indeed overcrowded.
“We have proof our school is overcrowded. We have 1 020 pupils and our school can accommodate only 800. Half of the school consists of small prefabricated buildings. Some classes have to be held in the hall,” he said.
Thami Mchunu, chief of communications for the national department of Public Works, said both the school and the provincial government were informed that they needed to apply to use the empty school via the provincial education department.
“The provincial government of the Western Cape would then have to facilitate the application with the national department,” he said, adding that Isaacs had been asked to forward the necessary application via the provincial government. This had never been received by them.
Mchunu said if the school occupied the empty building, they would be considered illegal occupants.
Weekend Argus