Reprieve for four Cape schools
2012-12-19 20:25
Cape Town - The closure of four Western Cape schools will
be stopped if certain conditions are met, the Western Cape High Court heard on
Wednesday.
Eduard Fagan, for Premier Helen Zille, said the province
would keep the Beauvallon, ValPark, Protea and Lavis Drive schools open pending
the outcome of a final review being expedited in court.
The announcement came as an application for an urgent
interdict against the decision to close 18 schools in the province was being
heard.
Western Cape Education MEC Donald Grant cited low
enrolment numbers, multi-grade classes or a decline in pupil numbers as reasons
for his decision to close the schools.
Parents and teachers from affected schools are
challenging the decision, saying it is unlawful and unconstitutional.
Judge Siraj Desai on Wednesday questioned the late timing
of the premier's announcement, branding it "absolute gamesmanship".
"I resent this court being used for political
gamesmanship," he said.
Desai adjourned the court for five minutes so Fagan could
explain Zille's decision to him and fellow judges.
The court proceeded with the application for an interim
interdict against the closure of the other 14 schools being heard.
Dozens of parents and teachers packed the courtroom.
- SAPA
