In a shocking turn, Westville Hindu Primary School in Durban has announced its closure, leaving parents and students in turmoil. The unexpected decision, which coincided with Diwali and final exams, has left families scrambling to secure new school placements amidst limited availability in the area.
The abrupt announcement, delivered in mid-October, has led to mounting frustration and anger among parents, who feel blindsided by the school’s decision. Premona Reddy, a parent, voiced her distress in a letter to the school’s management, criticising the decision’s timing and expressing concern about the impact on students. “Admissions for the year have closed, and now we’re forced to look for schools that are already full. What happens to our kids?” she asked, reflecting the desperation felt by many.
A Loss of Cultural and Educational Roots
The closure of Westville Hindu Primary School holds more significance than simply a shift in educational facilities; for many, the school has been a beacon of cultural and educational heritage. Reddy, along with other parents, expressed that the school’s closure feels like a betrayal of values. Parents stated that the school has been an integral part of preserving Hindu culture and traditions, providing students with a sense of community and identity.
A parent, who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted the mismatch between the school’s historical role and recent administrative decisions, which have left families feeling disillusioned. “This decision reveals a discord between the school’s long-held values and recent administrative priorities,” the parent said. The chaos of suddenly finding new placements for siblings, who may face separate school enrolment policies, has further increased stress levels for families already burdened by logistical challenges.
Questions Over Trustee Priorities
The school’s managing body, the Shree Sanatan Dharma Sabha (SSDS), led by Dr Bisraam Rambilaas, has come under scrutiny as rumours circulate about potential leasing of the premises to a different community. Parents, including Reddy, have questioned whether financial priorities are being placed above the well-being of students and the community’s cultural legacy. Reddy voiced her frustration, saying, “Hinduism is not a business. It’s a way of life.”
Responding to concerns, Rambilaas acknowledged that declining student enrolment has placed financial strain on the school, leading to significant financial difficulties in maintaining payments for the property. He revealed that the landlord had instructed the school to notify families to seek alternative placements, a notice that was issued in mid-October.
The School’s Response and Path Forward
While Rambilaas expressed sympathy for the upheaval caused, he criticised the short notice provided by the SSDS, suggesting that it has not allowed families adequate time to make alternative plans. “We requested a meeting with the Sabha to address these concerns, but the request was declined,” he stated. Rambilaas also mentioned that the school administration had organized a meeting with parents to address their concerns, though it did little to alleviate the widespread distress.
Rambilaas further explained that the school intends to hold a follow-up meeting with parents, including representatives from the Department of Education, to help parents navigate their options. He noted that the school has already begun reaching out to nearby institutions like Pitlochry Primary to seek additional placements.
Uncertain Future for the Community
As parents mobilize to demand accountability, the future of Westville Hindu Primary School remains uncertain. The potential leasing of the premises and lack of clear communication have fueled disappointment, leading many to wonder about the SSDS’s commitment to the school’s legacy. For families, this abrupt decision has created not only an educational disruption but also a deep cultural void.
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