The parents of children at Kgololo Academy, a foundation level school in Alex, will stand by their institution against detractors peddling disinformation on its status.
Also, they urged the school to open a case of intimidation against the detractors who allegedly invaded the facility claiming that it was a fly by night institution and run by illegal immigrants. Further, they urged for the investigation of police officers who were apparently from outside the policing precinct and were allegedly part of the intimidating group. This follows an expose in Alex News (Kgololo fends off allegations of illegal status, Week ending 14 February). The invasion seemingly disrupted teaching and learning and traumatised the children.
Proportional representative councillor and parent at the school Phumzile Sithole said, “We meet to support the school, also against professional jealousy by those whose feathers have been ruffled by competition from a value and quality adding institution for local children.
“An assessment of the academy’s programme is comparable to the best which is sought after and the school is an investment which we should be proud of as it uplifts the quality of our children’s education. Those who may be aggrieved and frustrated with the school for one reason or another, should not try and wind up emotions to create negative public reaction and sentiment against what is good for our children and the township.”
She was concerned that the police officers who were allegedly from outside the policing precinct and armed but without badges, were part of the group. “Their involvement should be investigated as it was unprocedural, a misapplication of public resources allocated to promote public safety, and tarnished the image of the police service.” This, she said, after the local police station denied ordering any investigation of the institution which Sithole said could only be conducted with a warrant.
Sithole who was drawn to the school for its proximity, quality and convenience, said the detractors’ alleged antics started a while back and got the attention of the parliamentary constituency office. “They [detractors] also used a disciplinary case of a child and staff [member] dismissed for under-performance to tarnish the school and harass management. They cared less of the impact of their actions on the school’s programme whose monthly fee of R1 200 is reasonable.” She said the fee covered books, stationery and nutritional feeding.
Sithole castigated the detractors’ actions as Afro-phobic discrimination and acts of sabotage. “The founder, an African-American married into an Alexandra family and investing in the education of our children, using documented migrant and locally qualified and committed staff, should instead be embraced and supported in our own interest.”
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