The ANC is grabbing at political straws to divert growing public scrutiny into its dismal service-delivery record by burying itself deeper into party politics ("ANC wants MEC fired", July 2).

If the imminent closure of certain schools is based on dwindling pupil attendance and poor performance, then the cause of this ill is surely linked to social problems within local communities and the inability of provincial and local government leaders to recognise and coordinate efforts to address these problems.

Education MEC Donald Grant acknowledged that the problem existed, and implied that the closure of certain schools was a drastic and tragic final resort.

Education has been spiralling into the abyss of national incompetence along with other ministries, such as transport, health and home affairs.

Education cannot be blamed in isolation for the paralysing effect of crime and poverty in communities where school closures are being considered.

National education cannot exist in a vacuum. Don't shoot the messenger.