Hostel learners locked out due to non-payment

The learners apparently arrived at the school on Monday 9 October for the start of the fourth term the next day, but were left standing outside until almost midnight.

After intervention by parents and other stakeholders, the learners were apparently allowed into the hostel.

Die Pos reported recently that tensions between the principal, Katlego Letswalo, the School Governing Body (SGB), and parents ran high after allegations of poor management and financial irregularities. Some of the parents’ complaints included travel claims made by SGB members, the acquisition of a second-hand generator without it being cleared with the SGB, and a winter camp that learners paid for but was canceled prior to the actual date. Parents allege that some members dealing with the school’s finances do not have the proper qualifications — not even a matric certificate.

The Department of Basic Education intervened and appointed an interim committee to perform the functions of the SGB. They will also investigate the use of school funds.

According to Mike Maringa, spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education in Limpopo, Letswalo has been placed on precautionary suspension. He said the department is still deciding on the way forward.

“We will appoint an acting principal in the meantime and then start the process to appoint a new principal for the school,” he said. “The school management took a decision to not allow learners with outstanding hostel fees. The department intervened and things are running smoothly at the school. Learners are attending classes,” he said.

• At the time of going to press, approximately 50 parents were in a meeting on the school premises in protest of 35 learners who were excluded from entering the hostels for the beginning of the fourth term, due to monies outstanding. The learners were apparently accommodated in the school clinic and a dilapidated outbuilding on the school grounds. More information on our Facebook page as the story unfolds.