SADTU in the Western Cape happy with the court ruling on schools closures in the Province

The South African Democratic Teachers' Union in the Western Cape says the interdict granted by Judge Siraj Desai today, against the closure of 17 out of 18 schools in the province, was a victory for education and communities against intimidation and harassment by Premier Helen Zille and Education MEC Donald Grant. The undemocratic operation of the WCED was dealt a serious blow today. 

A good lesson to be leant is: Do not take teachers and communities for granted. SADTU and the SOS community acted in the best interest of the child as well as quality learning and teaching. 

In the Western High Court today, Judge Siraj Desai granted an urgent interdict halting the closure of 17 out of the 18 schools in the province. He instructed provincial education MEC Donald Grant to reinstate leases and basic services to the 17 schools he intended to close.

SADTU and the school governing bodies of the affected schools applied before the High Court to stop the closures as ordered by MEC Donald Grant. Grant claimed low enrolment numbers, multi-grade classes and a decline in pupil numbers as reasons for closures. 

SADTU, with the parents and teachers insisted the move was unlawful and would prejudice children.

The Western Cape Department of Education and MEC Grant were interdicted from transferring or compelling to move any of the registered learners and educators, save in those cases where learners and educators voluntarily choose to do so.

Desai said he would give reasons for his ruling later. A final review application on the school closures would be heard in the same court in the New Year.

We are looking forward to the review and we sincerely hope it will save all the schools for good.

Statement issued by SADTU Western Cape Provincial Secretary, Jonavon Rustin, December 21 2012

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