Doornplaat, one of the oldest primary schools in Schweizer-Reneke to close its doors in December permanently
Mohau Maretele
VRYBURG – Doornplaat Primary School will officially close its doors definitely at the end of this year, after five good decades. The school is located in Zitland on the Doornplaat farm, approximately 17 kilometres from the town of Schweizer Reneke, in the local municipality of MAMUSA.
The school, one of the oldest in MAMUSA, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with its existing staff. It was established in 1972 by the Medupi sisters, Shai and Totos. At that time, it was under the name Naledi Bantu Primary School, with just over 50 learners in two classrooms under the guidance of only two teachers, including the Principal, Shai Medupi.
Over the years, Naledi Bantu Primary School was renamed Doornplaat Middle School under the leadership of Mr Morule. Former principals of the school include Mr Masosi Motlashuping, Mr C.W. Phoko and Mr Happy Maseng. The current principal is Mrs Setshego Martha Moreki, who took over the reins in 2016 from Mr Maseng.
Talking to MORONGWA, Principal Moreki confirmed the school impeding shut down. Ms Moreki lamented that the school, mostly catered for learners from nearby farms including Doornfontein farm, Panfontein farm and Makouwskop, and had started losing learners when farms closed down and families had to relocate to the nearby township of Ipelegeng.
“The school now has 70 learners, 6 teachers including the principal and 2 support staff. It has 5 classrooms for Grades R to 7”, said Moreki.
When going to print, MORONGWA’s efforts to get an official word from the North West Department of Education were unsuccessful, as the spokesperson had not responded to our texts. However, we have a letter dated back to October 2022 wherein the then MEC Maphefo Matsemela formally informed the school governing body and the principal about her intentions to close the school. In the letter, the department highlighted low learner enrolment as one of the contributing factors to the closure of the institution. Matsemela also added that the school would be merged with Tshwaraganelo Primary School in Ipelegeng township.
The 15th of December 2022 will seemingly be a significant day for the books, as Doornplaat Primary School educators and learners will be meeting for the very last time in those surroundings.
