BY STAFF REPORTER

VAALTYN- The residents were picketing and singing struggling songs on Tuesday in protest after the department of education in North West decided to close down their school.

According to Vaaltyn residents, the department did not consult with them before taking that decision.

North West Department of Education embarked on school rationalisation campaign across the province and that left many communities suffering or without schools in their areas. The community says the department did not consult with them before taking the decision.

The department of education met with the community representatives on Tuesday, but the meeting was futile as the community demanded to see MEC Wendy Maphefo Matsemela in person. They said those who were sent to give them answers were clueless.

“As the residents of Vaaltyn village, we will fight for what we believe is right. The department cannot do as they please with our school. Even though they say Seoleseng Middle School was regarded as a middle school, we do not buy that. We know Seoleseng as a secondary and that will stand” Bongani Nkuna said.

The residents barricaded the roads going in and out of Vaaltyn with burning tyres and tree branches. Matsemela is expected to meet with the resident on Wednesday to explain the matter to them.

“The department never consulted with me as the chief of this village when taking the decision, so we demand valid reasons. We cannot allow to be pushed around by department that shows disrespect” Kgosi Moses Seoleseng said.

The SANCO was also part of the march and said the decision taken by department was suppose to be communicated through to the community. SANCO interim provincial secretary-general James Gadinabokao said they will support the community in their quest to see Seoleseng High School be open again.

“We do not say the decision taken by department of education regarding school rationalisation was wrong, but that was suppose to be communicated through. If the department believes the area has fewer matric pupils, let them bring other pupils from Reivilo to balance the equation and let the Seoleseng high school in operation” Gadinabokao said.

However the department of education spokesperson Brian Setswambung said the department took that decision based on number of the pupils in the area.

“There are fewer pupils who will be matriculating this year from Vaaltyn, so department so it fit to accommodate them at Reivilo where the department will pay accommodations and food for them. That will also help the department to save more time and avoid wasteful expenditure as the department will be forced to hire more teachers whereas there was an option” Setswambung said.

The residents said they will never back-off until their grievances are heard.

-TDN

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