MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – The principal of the Emmanuel Christian School, Mrs Sandy James, this week categorically stated that Mr Hennie van Niekerk does not own the property on which the school is situated.

In a newspaper article published in last week's Zoutpansberger regarding Mr Hennie van Niekerk's resignation as chairman of the school governing body, it is stated that the school is situated on land owned by Mr Van Niekerk. In response to this, Mrs James said that this in fact is not true. She said the school functions under the control of a non-profitable organization and that the property had been zoned for educational purposes alone.

In a follow-up investigation, it was found that the title deed of the property on which the school is situated is registered in the name of the Emmanuel Lighuis. According to records, the Emmanuel Lighuis also holds the title deeds for an erf in Bauhinia Street and one in President Street