Mr DC Ross (Democratic Alliance) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
(1) Whether any (a) primary and or (b) secondary schools have been closed down in Johannesburg in the past three years; if so, in each case, (i) how many schools, (ii) why and (iii) which schools were closed down;
(2) Whether any schools in Johannesburg are currently over their capacity; if so, (a) How many schools, (b) which schools, (c) why and (d) what plans are in place to resolve this situation;
(3) Whether there are any plans to build any new schools in Johannesburg in the next three years; if not, why not; if so, (a) what type of schools and (b)(i) where and (ii) when will the schools be built?
Reply:
1. (i)(a) 25 Primary schools and (b) two secondary schools
(ii) These schools have all experienced a decline in enrolment to such an extent that they were no longer viable.
(iii) List of schools that were closed during the past three years.
2. (a) 99 schools are overcrowded
(b) List of overcrowded schools.
The schools are overcrowded as a result of migration into the province which led to a shortage of classroom accommodation in the areas where the schools are located. Another reason is that these schools are overcrowded due to a shortage of classroom accommodation in neighbouring areas which results in learners from the neighbouring areas attending these schools.
(d) The solution to the problem is to build more schools in these areas. New schools are planned for the worst affected areas over the medium to long term.
3. (a) Three primary and six secondary schools are to be built over the next three years.
(b) (i) List of new schools planned
Source: Department of Education
