Turkey to open school in South Africa

By Gokhan Kavak

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - A Turkish foundation plans to open a school in South Africa, its head told Anadolu Agency.

“We signed an education cooperation deal with South Africa's National Education Ministry. We are planning to become operational by opening a school in the country for the 2018-2019 term,” Birol Akgun, the head of Turkey’s Maarif Foundation told Anadolu Agency.

Akgun made his remarks while accompanying President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his visit to South Africa to attend the annual summit of BRICS countries -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Akgun said the foundation has a legal entity status to open or take over an education institution in South Africa.

Mentioning steps taken for boosting bilateral political relations, Akgun emphasized that the countries also agreed on improving mutual cultural relations.

He noted that Muslim minorities show great interest towards Turkey in South Africa.

Akgun also mentioned the foundation’s plans on increasing presence in the continent.

“We want to be present in every African country opening its door to us. South Africa is among the countries where we will open a school,” he said.

On the activity and the aims of the foundation, Akgün said the “special mission” of the foundation is to work for taking over the FETO-linked school.

"As Turkey’s Maarif Foundation, it is our priority to raise a Turkey-friendly generation via formal education,” Akgun said.

Turkey established the Maarif Foundation in 2016 to take over the administration of overseas schools linked to Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

FETO is reportedly present in more than 150 countries around the world, through schools, NGOs, lobbyists, media outlets, and other companies.