Department of Education Extranet

3 SCHOOLS CLOSED IN THE PROVINCE

The Northern Cape Department of Education can confirm that 3 schools are currently closed in the Province due to various infrastructure related challenges. These schools are Kgomotso High School in Pampierstad, Nico Bekker Primary School in Williston and Hantam High School in Calvinia.

The Kgomotso High School was closed by parents today, as they await the delivery of 4 mobile classrooms due to an increase of learner numbers. The delay was created by an unfinished infrastructure project in Kimberley, as mobile classrooms will be relocated from another school to Kgomotso High School. The delivery of the mobile classrooms is scheduled for Wednesday, 3 August 2022.

The Nico Bekker Primary School has suffered severe damages at the hands of the very same community it serves. Criminal elements within the school community has left this school without electricity and has broken a large number of windows at the school. It’s heartbreaking to see that an institution of learning, located within the community, are vandalised like this. This community needs to take ownership of their school and protect it against any form of vandalism and theft. However, the Department has appointed a contractor to restore the electrification of the school and work will commence later in the week. Further to this, the school has an arrear account with ESKOM, amounting to over R70000, which the Department will settle to bail-out the school. It’s a sad state of affairs at Nico Bekker Primary School and we urge the school community to work with the Department to address the challenges this school is faced with.

The Hantam High School remains closed, after we have received complaints from the community that the whole school building is unsafe. The learners were following a rotational timetable model, after its first closure. As a precautionary measure, we have assigned our engineers to inspect and assess the rest of the school building. The outcome of their assessment will be made available on Tuesday, 2 August 2022, whereby the way forward will be determined. The Department has already procured 6 mobile classrooms and awaits the delivery thereof. The MEC, Mr Zolile Monakali will also visit Hantam High School on Tuesday, 2 August 2022.