No solution at Settlers Agricultural High School

Following intervention by the Department of Basic Education, an interim committee has been appointed to perform the functions of the SGB.

It has come to light that Letswalo has requested to be transferred to Batho Pele Secondary School in Pienaarsrivier, but according to a parent from Settlers, Batho Pele’s SGB refused his transfer due to the allegations against him. One of the parents showed Die Pos a letter, allegedly from Letswalo, requesting a horizontal transfer to Batho Pele School. The parent prefers to stay anonymous.

Die Pos reported previously that the Department Norms and Standards was conducting an audit investigation into the utilization of school funds. The Department said it would monitor and support the school and its interim committee until it becomes functional.

Several SABC news clips of Settlers parents and SGB members railing against Letswalo and the replaced SGB are available on YouTube.

Settlers Agricultural High School used to be known as one of the country’s top agricultural schools. It is, however, currently a shadow of its former glory. Many years ago, learners at this school learned the ropes of farming at the school’s dairy factory where cheese and yogurt were manufactured with its laying hens, goats, and dairy cows and cattle winning many awards on agricultural shows. It used to have a crop-sharing agreement with a neighboring farmer.

Parents have raised concerns regarding the situation in the hostel and the academic standard for some time.

According to Mike Maringa, spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education in Limpopo, the Head of the department’s office is handling the matter.

“We are still dealing with the matter internally and will communicate at a later stage,” was his reply.