Kopano Remains Focused Despite BCL Demise
Olefile Serokolo | Monday November 13, 2017 16:26
Granger said this after the school’s open day on Friday. Kopano was founded in 1972 to provide education for the children of BCL Mine employees. It was transformed into a private school in 2002. BCL used to cover the cost of students whose parents worked at the mine, but since the closure, most of the parents have been taking their children from the school citing lack of money to pay school fees. She explained that the mine used to pay full school fees at the beginning of every term, which enabled the school to meet its financial obligations. She said now it is different because some parents are failing to pay school fees on time.
She said to address the problem they have decided to come up with a new payment plan. The school’s enrollment stood at 490 when the mine was fully operational, but has since dropped to 283. Granger said as a result they were forced to lay off about eight staff members who were nearing retirement and those whose contracts were coming to an end.
She said having to part with them was sad because they came a long way together. She said despite that, they still have a good diversity of teachers who are qualified and eager to impart their knowledge to the students. Granger said the school remains strong, adding that they still enjoy a lot of respect from the community, as they still maintain their standards despite the crisis. She promised parents and the community that the school is not closing anytime soon like the rumours suggests, though admitting that the mine closure has hit them hard. “We want to draw the attention of the public that Kopano School continues in its tradition started in 1972, of giving excellent academic and sporting education and opportunities for our community despite the closure of the mine. Despite the significant loss of numbers, the school is stable and has excellent, qualified and experienced teachers,” she said. She noted the school does not only shine academically but it has also proven to be a force to be reckoned with in sports. Granger revealed that they would be introducing a new and enriched pre-primary programme effective 2018.
She said they continue to be recognised and respected nationally citing their successful alumni. The school has produced respected leaders such as Dumelang Saleshando and Botsalo Ntuane just to mention a few. She appealed to them and other past students to help with donations so that they can help the community.
Sandile William, a student at school, said it is really sad to see what the school is going through, but assured that they would not let the situation affect them academically. She said since the mine closed, they have been encountering financial challenges, which affected sports trips unlike when the mine was still operational.