The MEC for Education in the Free State, Mr Tate Makgoe, accompanied by the Acting HoD, Mr Khoarai Khorai and some Members of Senior Management, held separate meetings with School Management Teams (SMTs), Educators, School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and Parents community of all schools in Petsana near Reitz in Thabo Mofutsanyana District.
The meetings were aimed at resolving the situation at Petsana Schools, where classes were disrupted by some unruly elements. This follows the closure of Rehatelapele Primary School, which resulted into revisiting of all primary schools in the area, so as to streamline and evenly share learners at Rehatelapele Primary in the same area. The sharing of learners was influenced by correcting phasing of other four schools, namely: Phind'uzame Primary, Reatile Intermediate, Petsana Primary and Leifo-Iziko Secondary School.
Furthermore, the MEC wanted to find out why decisions reached and agreed to by all stakeholders during the consultative processes in 2008 regarding schools in Petsana were not implemented.
After elaborate deliberations, the SMTs, Educators and SGBs all agreed with the MEC and his entourage that the education of children is very important and that the department has a responsibility to ensure that effective learning and teaching take place. They also all agreed that the situation prevailing in Petsana, is not conducive to efficient and effective learning and teaching.
However, the meeting with parents almost turned into some episode from “Ripley’s Believe it or Not,” as some “syndicate of two or three foul mouthed ladies” bent on disrupting the proceedings cried foul at all suggestions meant to resolve the matter amicably for the benefit of all children in Petsana.
Nonetheless, the MEC emphatically stated that the department cannot build a new school as there are 40 classrooms that are not utilised in schools in Petsana.
“The money that could be used for building a new school could be utilised to buy resources such as computers and Learning Teaching and Support Materials (LTSM) to enhance efficient and effective learning and teaching which would lead to quality results. I also wish to state that the existing problems in this community have solutions. We all have to have the interest of our children at heart and not deprive them of their Constitutional right which is the right to education.”
The MEC called on parents to play a pivotal role in the education of children. He also emphasised the importance of discipline in schools. He said discipline is an integral part of society, and that in a school situation, it starts with the principal, deputies, educators and then learners.
“We have to manage the situation. It’s going to be tough, but we have to win this battle. Collectively, we can make a difference in the lives of our children and community. We cannot afford to play with our future, because our children are our future.”
He said learners would be moved from churches to schools as agreed in previous meetings with all education stakeholders.
“Some decisions may look bad to others and I know that my decision will not satisfy all of you. The process will hurt others. But after having met all stakeholders, high school learners will go to high school. Thus, my decision is that from now:
* Kgotso-Uxolo Secondary will have Grade 7 to 12 learners
* Leifo-Iziko Secondary will have Grade 7 to 12 learners
* Phinduzame Primary will have Grade R to 6, and
* Reatile Primary will have Grade R to 6.
Rehatelapele Primary School is now officially closed.”
For further enquiries:
Solly Magalefa
Head: Communication, Public Relations and Marketing
Cell: 082 573 3404
Tel: 051 404 8314
Fax: 086 545 0569
Issued by: Department of Education, Free State Provincial Government
21 May 2009
