1. Mhlanagazane Primary School had only 83 learners by the end of 2021.
(2) whether her department has consulted the community on the decision; if not, why not; if so, what are the views of the community on the closure of the school?
Response:
Mhlanagazane consultations:
There were a number of consultations that were done for the closure of Mhlangazane Primary and its merger with Phumelele Primary. There were consultations on the following dates:
11 June 2019; 19 June 2019; 9 September 2019; and 7th June 2021 (Parents meetings).
The Chief of Esandleni and some members of the community mentioned that the school is the only Government structure available in the area and on those grounds, they wanted the school not to be closed or merged with Phumelele Primary.
Other members of the community who are in support of the closure and merger of Mhlangazane with Phumelele Primary schools have since removed their children and registered them at Phumelele.
As it stands, there is no likelihood that learner enrolment at Mhlangazane Primary will increase. Under such circumstances, the school will forever have the challenge of not receiving effective teaching and learning.