Photo: Albert Gonzalez Farran/UN

The initial number of school closures was 27 and the aim is to improve opportunities for learners by placing them in schools that are better equipped to provide quality education.

Not for the first time, temperatures were running at several public meetings across the Cape Flats where the closure of schools in mostly disadvantaged areas was talk about. The meetings were called by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) following huge outcry from numerous parents, learners and community organisations.

In Bonteheuwel, leading educational authority, Michael Wilhelm, said, "The lack of dual medium is stifling growth at Protea Primary School, and if the department can agree to this, there is no reason for closure. Furthermore, there are certain realities, in many of these areas residents are territorial and if one resides in a certain section, a person is unfortunately associated with a gang operating in that particular part of the area running the gauntlet of gangsters if they have to travel to another school."

Speaker after speaker echoed the same sentiments. Many felt the department is working backwards, as this process should have taken place before deciding on the closure of schools. "Dwindling numbers at many of these schools are lot of bull," shouted an irate Abduragmaan Khan. He when on add the school closure is to protect white heritage and parents should refuse to pay school fees.

Numerous speakers pointed out the low numbers at previously white schools yet they are not threatened by closure. "Die skool se onderwysers en leerders is soos 'n familie met die hoof wat soos 'n ma is, 'n visible emotional Mrs van der Poole gesê. Sy het bygevoeg enige een is welkom om die leerders vanaf Langa te vra oor die gesindheid by die skool.

Ook talle ouers teenwoordig by die vergadering het genoem dat die skool geen inbrake of bakleiery in die laaste 5 jaar ervaar het nie. Talle ander skole wat geraak word met sluiting, sê die department se argumente is ongeldig, omdat van die skole strategiese geleë is, hulle besit 'n ryk geskiedenis en met die nodige ondersteuning die potensiaal het om 'n voortvarende learning institution te word.

Joining in the voices of embitterment was Pastor Colin Valentine, who concluded with this parting shot, "the WCED don't care, they must remember our children are our future, and failing them, will create not a lost but hopeless generation."