Pierneef Primary School in Pretoria is fighting for survival after the Gauteng Department of Basic Education dramatically cut its funding, leaving the institution unable to sustain operations for its roughly 500 learners.
Jonelia Theron, chairperson of the school's governing body, said the department's decision to reduce allocations to quintile 5 schools had plunged Pierneef into a severe financial crisis. Funding was set to be nearly halved — dropping from over R800 per learner annually to just R315 from this year — but Theron noted the strain began even sooner. "On top of that, we haven't even received the department's funding for 2025. Essentially, therefore, the cuts already started last year," she said.
In response, the Afrikaans-medium public school, which caters to grades R through 7, has launched a BackaBuddy campaign in a bid to raise R3 million. Theron told media the funds were critical to retaining staff and ensuring the school's continued existence. Of the institution's 34 teaching posts, more than half are already funded through the governing body rather than the state.
Compounding the problem are significant unpaid school fee debts. "Parents simply cannot bear the full burden any more. They now essentially have to compensate for the state's failure to properly fund schools. They cannot afford it," Theron said.
Without urgent intervention, the school could be forced to begin retrenchments as early as Monday. Theron cautioned that such a move would see committed, experienced educators lose their positions and result in overcrowded classrooms.
The school has issued an urgent call to parents, alumni, businesses and the broader community to step in and help safeguard jobs and the institution's stability.
