Residents of Coniston Park are celebrating what they perceive as a significant victory following reports that construction at the site of a new school has been halted. However, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) insists that all necessary approvals are in place and that construction is proceeding as planned.

Keegan Ford, vice-chairperson of the Coniston Park Residents and Ratepayers Association (CPRRA), sharedoptimistic news with his fellow residents on Monday, stating that all machinery had been removed from the site.

“We were informed that construction would come to a halt due to various reasons, including the fact that  the development is on a wetland and the breeding ground of the leopard toad,” Ford explained.

“There were also talks of a lawsuit against the WCED. Whatever the reason, we are happy; the elderly residents living here are happy.”

This demonstration of community spirit has resonated strongly within Coniston Park, as Ford commended residents for their silent protest.

“Everyone joined in and showed their dissatisfaction peacefully. There were no issues or irregularities and our voice was heard. Ultimately, this is about ensuring proper public participation.”

The plans for the new school have drawn scrutiny from residents. Ford noted that the land, originally zoned in 2023 for a learning support school, was changed in 2025 to accommodate a mainstream high school set to house 1,182 learners. “Phase one did not include any consultation with us. The department is completely downplaying what’s really happening. It feels like the Municipality  has become a political pawn for agendas,” he asserted.

However, WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond has refuted these claims, countering that the mention of leopard toads is a new assertion from the residents.

“It is unfortunate that such claims are being made, seemingly with the intent to derail what is a significant and positive development for the community,” Hammond stated.

Hammond further confirmed that the necessary regulatory approvals were obtained prior to the commencement of construction, including a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The City of Cape Town had granted land-use and building plan approvals in accordance with municipal by-laws, allowing the development of a school with a budget of R60 million, featuring 12 classrooms and an expected enrolment of 375 learners.

The first phase of the project is projected to be completed by the final quarter of 2026. “Schools are a positive contribution and an asset to any community,” Hammond expressed while highlighting the broader investment in educational infrastructure across the Western Cape, with R2.862 billion allocated this year for upgrades and expansion.

City Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment,  Eddie Andrews, confirmed that there are no wetlands on the school site.

“It is not known to have aquatic habitat that supports the breeding of the Western Leopard Toad,” he remarked, supporting the WCED’s stance that development does not trigger any listed activities in the National Environmental Management Act’s EIA Regulations, 2014.

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