Eastern Cape Education Department Withdraws Bergview College Deregistration

The Eastern Cape Department of Education has officially withdrawn its notice to deregister Bergview College, following an urgent High Court application by the school's board of trustees.

The legal battle erupted after Education MEC Fundile Gade moved to deregister the school following the alleged rape of a seven-year-old pupil on school premises. However, the school’s management challenged the decision in the High Court in Makhanda, arguing that it was unlawful and arbitrary.

Court documents reveal that Bergview College’s legal team cited the Schools Act, which mandates that school owners be given an opportunity to present their case before deregistration and allows for an appeal process.

With the urgent interdict in motion, the Department of Education has now rescinded its decision. Department spokesperson Vuyiseka Mboxelwa confirmed the withdrawal, stating:

"The Eastern Cape Department of Education was convinced that the matter is receiving the attention it deserves, and we then took a decision as a department to rescind the decision to close the school."

The department added that it has full confidence in the multi-disciplinary teams handling the case, indicating that further investigations and legal proceedings will determine the school's future.

The withdrawal of the deregistration notice has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning the department’s initial move, while others demand accountability and justice for the victim.