Mixed messages after cancelling the expected school meeting
The community of Sunrise, Katlehong refuses the principal an opportunity to apologise to parents as they await the investigations report into his alleged mismanagement of funds.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has distanced itself from claims about a meeting intended to be at Manzini Primary School, at Zonkezizwe Ext 2, Katlehong, on August 12.
According to SGB chairperson Katleho Molokome, the Ekurhuleni Department of Education proposed the meeting to apologise to parents on behalf of the principal, Zola Macu. However, they never called the meeting.
Parents accused the principal and the SGB of mismanaging school funds and lack of maintenance as parents complained about the school’s cleanliness and learner safety.
Following protests by the community and parents, Macu was chased away from the school on April 12.
Molokome was elected as the SGB chairperson two months ago. He was among the parents who demonstrated against the alleged mismanagement of funds.
He said the department initially requested him to apologise on behalf of the principal, but he refused.
A community leader, Senzi Ndzombane, told Kathorus MAIL the community refused to sit in a meeting in the presence of Macu.
“Parents want accountability. Remember, the department said they are conducting a forensic investigation into the school’s financial affairs,” said Ndzombane.
“Now they want to apologise to parents without providing them with the investigation report?” he asked.
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department was not aware of any meeting planned for an apology by the school principal.
He said there are ongoing investigations about the finances and operational matters, which are being attended to, as raised.
“We will communicate with the SGB and the community about developments. We resolve some issues on an ongoing basis,” said Mabona.
Brief background
The school and GDE’s failure to address issues raised by parents over time led to the destruction of classes as parents protested at the school to voice their concerns early this year.
They complained about the lack of a fence and furniture like chairs for learners and mismanagement of funds, pointing out overpriced services acquired by the school.
Parents submitted a petition to the GDE on March 8, 2023.
According to the petition, the school is mismanaging funds by acquiring inflated services.
• In 2021 there was a big hole left open by contractors. Following complaints, the hole was allegedly closed at the cost of R10 000.
• The school allegedly used old pieces of the fence to close an open gap, with an amount of R130 000 claimed to be paid.
• In 2022, the SGB chairperson allegedly recommended someone install a solar system at an estimated amount of R240 000.
• A parking lot and vendors structure was erected at an alleged estimated amount of R300 000.
• A sum of R 17 500 was spent on grass cutting for the Grade R area by a general assistant, allegedly assigned by the principal. They did not submit three quotations for the school to choose the cheapest, according to policy requirements.
• It is also alleged that the employment of assistant teachers is fraudulent.
Molokome said the department told the SGB the meeting would not be called until further notice because of other commitments.
They will share more details as the story develops.
