Rumpus over Amakhemfundo Primary School’s principal

Official elections of the Amakhemfundo Primary School 2015 School Governing Body (SGB) were conducted last Tuesday with four of the old members reinstated.
Parents had to settle for the four parents’ representatives as compared to last years’ six because the Department of Education had ‘ordered’ so. This however did not stop the proceedings, although parents questioned as to why the drastic change?
Samu Langa, Bongiwe Ramhotsi, Mrs Nelly Sibisi and Zodwa Zulu remain part of the SGB.
The meeting ignited the tempers of the parents over the ongoing issue of the newly appointed principal, following the retirement of the previous principal, Phindile Magubane. Sandile Magubane is the newly elected principal who supposedly has occupied the position since last year. He and the Senior Education Manager, Mr Myeza, were chased out of the school by the teachers, SGB and parents last year. Teaching and learning came to a halt as teachers were chanting at the school gate. The school gate was ‘decorated’ with placards expressing the parents grievances about the situation of bringing in a new principal to the school. Parents wanted and still want Mr Ngobese to be the principal, as they say “he has served as deputy principal for many years and works remarkably well.” “We are satisfied by how Mr Ngobese has managed the school,” said one parent.
They further explained that they are tired of outsiders occupying positions in the area whilst there are people who are very capable of doing the job.

It was highlighted at the meeting that the Umzinyathi District’s Department of Education, as per the order of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU), had removed Mr Ngobese from the principal’s office while an investigation took place.
“Mr Ngobese has been removed from his office as ordered from the Department, which they say they were ordered by SADTU. The reason for this is because they cannot continue with the investigation while he is still in the office,” said chairperson, Samu Langa.
One parent wanted to know why ‘nothing had been communicated with the SGB or parents.’ “This is not a SADTU school. We will not allow unions to do as they please. These are our children and people must not use politics to further their agendas. We send our children to continue the culture of teaching and learning,” exploded a parent. Parents ordered the SGB to write to the district Education Department and set up a meeting with the Manager, Vincent Majola, and ask that he comes and explains to the parents as to why Mr Ngobese was removed from the office.
According to the SGB, only two weeks was allocated to conduct the investigation while Mrs Khanyile, a retiree at the school, acts on behalf of the principal.