Picture: iStock
The Limpopo department of education has defended its decision to close four schools in the Vhembe East district, saying this was justified in order to ensure children received the education they deserved. Provincial department spokeswoman Tidimalo Chuene said the decision to close down Matshikiri, Fandani, Tshibalo and Tshianzwane primary schools was based on the need to merge them because of low enrolment numbers. In a report on the merger prepared by the department, Matshikiri, based at Musunda village in Hamakuya, which had 74 pupils, was merged with Tshikondeni primary. Only four teachers served pupils from Grade R to Grade 7,.