Question No. 729
Dr HC van Schalkwyk (Democratic Alliance) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
(1) Whether she intends closing down any farm schools in remote areas; if so,
(2) Whether suitable accommodation will be made available for learners from farm schools; if not,
(3) Whether learners will be transported to schools; if not, why not; if so, who will carry the cost;
(4) Whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
1. The closing down of farm schools in remote areas is the prerogative of provincial Departments of Education. The South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act No. 84 of 1996) (the SASA) in section 12 A provides for the merger and section 33 for the closure of public schools. In that regard this responsibility resides with the provincial departments of education.
However, my department, in partnership with provinces, has developed guidelines for the closure and merger of rural and farm schools. These guidelines provide guidance on the merger and closure process, the role of provincial coordinating and implementation teams, procedures to follow regarding the school governing bodies of schools and language, religious and cultural considerations.
2. to 4. Refer to question one.
Issued by: Department of Basic Education
19 February 2010
Source: Department of Education (http://www.education.gov.za/)
