“As we pen this letter, our hearts are bleeding with anger and disappointment due to the poor performance of Mopani East district matric results. “It, therefore, forces us to pause, reflect and probably chart an alternative course forward. “We condemn the poor leadership displayed by the district. The issue of poor leadership might look minor at face value, but the matter has far-reaching repercussions.
“Teachers are heavily discouraged over a number of issues. You cannot be productive in a hostile environment,” stated the letter provided to the Herald. The letter goes on to question the appointment of promotional posts in the district. “The process was fraught with many inconsistencies,” it claims. “There are many people with proper qualifications, with Master’s degrees, who are being side-lined.
“The letter refers to problems at Okuthula Primary School, claiming that the circuit manager allegedly “had undue interest and influence in posts”. It also refers to Famandha High School which used to achieve good results. “What is happening at Baranuka?” it reads. “How do you appoint (the second choice) against the recommendations of the school governing body (SGB)?”
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It also refers to Hanyani Thomo School where an appointment was also made against the recommendations of the SGB. There are also references to problems at Mihlwa Primary School and Zava High School. Other schools mentioned in the letter are Kheto High School, Mbhangazeki High School, Mavalani High, Risinga High School, and Giyani High School.
Herald contacted the Limpopo South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) regarding the allegations made in the letter. They said that if there is proof of the allegations, they urge disgruntled persons to present it to the appropriate departments. “The affected members are urged to lodge disputes through the education labour relations dispute resolution council.
“We will also urge the department to check the validity of these allegations and if there is evidence to that effect, consequence management should be applied,” said Sowell Tjebane, provincial secretary of SADTU.
The Limpopo Department of Education was contacted and did acknowledge the inquiry but stated that they will give a comment in due course. At the time of going to print, no comment was received.
