LOUIS TRICHARDT - Tension mounted at Eltivillas Combined School on Tuesday, when the principal refused to admit several learners from Makhado Park.

Parents together with the school management tried to solve the matter, but the management mentioned that there was a shortage of classrooms.

What exasperates parents is the fact that a shortage of classrooms doesn't mean children should not attend school. A representative of the education department, Mr Johan Makhadi said the problem started in 1999, when the school started operating. He added that the principal neglected learners from Makhado Park and admitted more learners from Waterval and other areas that are far from Louis Trichardt.

According to the vice-chairperson of the parents committee in Makhado Park, Mr Johannes Nethawiba, 24 learners were refused admission at Eltivillas. Last year Makhado Park parents met with the Mayor to solve the matter and according to reports, Mayor Tlakula said learners must be admitted, because children have the right to learn. The problem has been raised with the Zoutpansberg Circuit and also with the Regional Director, who is fully aware of the problem, said Nethawiba.

On Tuesday parents wrote a letter to Education MEC, Ms Joyce Mashamba and she in turn promised to send a delegation to solve the problem as soon as possible.

Makhadi said that parents do not want Grade One learners to cross the road or rail line when going to school. Children must be registered following the Schools Act, not conditions, he added.