MIDDELBURG – The School Governing Body (SGB) of Middelburg High School has confirmed that the school remained open on 18 May, following engagements with the Eastern Cape Department of Education that resolved most of the issues previously raised by the school leadership.
The announcement follows last week’s notice by the SGB that the school would close indefinitely from 18 May due to concerns over the alleged failure by the department to appoint and pay educators.
At the time, the SGB alleged that the school had spent more than R700,000 on educator salaries since 2025 to cover positions it believed should have been funded by the department.
In a statement issued on 16 May, SGB chairperson Arno van Graan confirmed that the planned closure had been withdrawn.
“Following productive engagements, the Department of Education has reacted promptly to the concerns raised by the school leadership,” said Van Graan.
“Most of the critical issues have now been resolved, and the school remains in active, positive conversation with the Department to finalise the remaining administrative matters.”
Van Graan said the SGB regarded the well-being of learners and the protection of academic time as priorities.
“The academic time and the well-being of our learners are of the utmost importance. Disrupting schooling is always a last resort, and we are pleased that current progress allows our classrooms to remain open and functional,” said Van Graan.
Last week, Eastern Cape Department of Education spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima confirmed that the department had dispatched a team to investigate the matter and engage with the school management, staff and SGB.
The department also stated that only the MEC, head of department or a court of law could close a school and emphasised the importance of protecting teaching time.
Van Graan thanked parents and the broader community for their support during this period.
“We appreciate the patience, support, and understanding of our parents and the community during this time, and we remain committed to working together with the Department to ensure a stable and successful academic year for all our learners,” said Van Graan.
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