EASTERN CAPE – Spokesperson for the Department of Education, Malibongwe Mtima, confirmed that 130 schools in the Eastern Cape have been gazetted and closed while 298 are earmarked for closure in the 2026/27 financial year.
Closure process described as consultative
He said the decision was taken by the community, who agreed to the process, which is consultative.
“The schools that are facing closure are those that have low enrolment. Primary schools must have 135 learners, and senior secondary schools must have 200. Our process takes three to five years. If the numbers are not growing, we then call a meeting with all stakeholders (school management team, members of the school governing body and parents). It is a consultative process; we cannot close the school without involving them,” said Mtima.
He added that when the rationalisation begins, they engage the Department of Transport because these learners will need scholar transport. They also involve the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, which owns the buildings.
NAPTOSA warns of impact on rural schools
Chief executive officer of National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA), Loyiso Mbinda, confirmed that they have noted the Eastern Cape Department of Education’s intention to review the closure, merger and realignment of some schools in the province.
He said they acknowledge the department’s responsibility to ensure a sustainable education system and effective utilisation of resources.
“However, any decision to close, merge or realign schools must strictly comply with the South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act 84 of 1996), relevant provincial regulations and departmental policies governing such processes. Meaningful consultation with affected stakeholders, including school governing bodies, parents, educators, learners and organised labour, remains essential. NAPTOSA’s position is that as long as all relevant legislative and policy requirements are adhered to, we will respect the process,” said Mbinda.
He stressed that the impact on teaching and learning must remain the primary consideration.
Mbinda added that school closures, if not properly planned, may result in overcrowding at receiving schools, disruption of learning, increased pressure on educators and longer travelling distances for learners.
Rural schools require particular attention, as they serve communities where geographical realities and access challenges cannot be ignored.
Transport concerns add pressure
“NAPTOSA therefore calls for the urgent finalisation of the Draft Rural Education Policy, which should provide a balanced approach to rural schooling and ensure that schools are not considered for closure based only on learner numbers, without considering community needs, distance, accessibility and the role that schools play in rural development. The department must also provide clear plans for the protection and utilisation of closed school infrastructure to prevent vandalism and the loss of public assets.
“The issue of learner transport remains a major concern. With more than 30,000 learners in the Eastern Cape qualifying for scholar transport but not receiving the service due to budget constraints, any school closure process must be accompanied by a properly funded and sustainable transport plan, especially given existing challenges with road infrastructure.”
He said they believe that any restructuring of the schooling landscape must be transparent, consultative and learner-centred.
The sustainability of education must never compromise learners’ constitutional right to access quality basic education.
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Babalwa Ndlanya
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