"If you strike our kids, then you strike us and there will be trouble in this province," said Ehrenreich.

But Grant said the closure of the schools, most of them in rural areas and in the impoverished Cape Flats, was not set in stone and appeals from communities and governing bodies during a public participation session could still avert such moves."The potential effect is that 4000 learners [will be affected]," said Grant at the briefing.

ANC Western Cape chairman Marius Fransman, a former school teacher, said there had to be some sort of a negotiation around the provincial education department's plan which he called an "insane decision".

Ehrenreich called for fair treatment of schools in different areas of the province.

"There must be equality in the schools; all learners must have the same opportunities," he said.

"If there's no consultation, [then] that can't be a fair plan and we will oppose any closures because there's no objective measure to it," said Ehrenreich.