Eastern Cape to close 123 schools due to declining enrollment

The Eastern Cape Department of Education has announced the closure of 123 schools in the upcoming financial year due to declining student enrollment. An additional 300 schools have been identified for potential closure in future years as part of a provincial rationalization plan aimed at merging under-enrolled institutions to optimize resource allocation.

Department spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima explained that dwindling learner numbers directly impact the ability to provide sufficient educators and resources. "The unviable schools are schools that have got lesser numbers leading to lesser resources. We resource based on learner numbers," Mtima stated.

While acknowledging that rural communities will face the greatest impact, the department is coordinating with the Department of Transport to ensure learners are provided with safe transport to merged institutions. Officials maintain that consolidating schools is necessary for sustainable education delivery given the province's existing resource and infrastructure constraints.