By Marcus Moloko
The Eastern Cape Department of Education has confirmed that 123 schools will be closed in the coming financial year due to dwindling learner numbers, with an additional 300 schools earmarked for closure in the coming years.
The move, already being implemented in some facilities, is part of a broader rationalisation plan to merge under-enrolled schools and redirect resources more effectively.
Eastern Cape Department spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima explained that the closures are driven by shrinking enrolments, which directly affect the allocation of teachers and resources.
“The unviable schools are schools that have got lesser numbers leading to lesser resources. We resource based on learner numbers. Once learner numbers are dwindling, we will not have enough educators, and there’s not going to be enough resources,” Mtima said.
He acknowledged that rural communities would be most affected by the closures, but stressed that the department is working with other government entities to mitigate the impact.
“The rural areas will be impacted. The department has looked into the rationalisation with other officials, including those from the Department of Transport and the Department of Education. These will ensure that schools are merged and transport is provided accordingly,” Mtima said.
The department insists that the closures are necessary to ensure sustainable education delivery in the province.
Mtima said that the initiative is not a unilateral decision but a coordinated effort across government.
“This is a joint effort or venture that the department would look into,” he said.
The Eastern Cape has long struggled with resource constraints and infrastructure challenges in its education system.
Officials argue that consolidating schools will allow for better use of limited resources, while ensuring that learners are transported safely to merged institutions.
INSIDE EDUCATION
