Community members in the Mwidi village have since Monday locked out the principal of the Nchelelegeng School in Ga Matlala and do not want her to return to the school.
A community member who wishes to remain anonymous told Polokwane Observer that they will help the teachers to monitor and run the school, but the principal would not be allowed to return. A meeting with the local headman was scheduled for yesterday (Wednesday).
Allegations were made that the principal was appointed last year after the SGB was told by her that other candidates need not come for interviews. She was allegedly appointed without fulfilling all the requirements.
The protesters had many complaints including that learners only received their report cards on 18 December and that there were mistakes on these. They also claim that there is no order at the school and no working relationship between teachers and the principal.
They said they did not want to interfere, but some parents wanted to take their children to other schools.
The Department of Education visited last year and a promise was allegedly made by a District Manager that a new principal would be appointed, but it has not realised. When approached for comment, the Communications Head at the Department of Education, Naledzani Rasila, said the issue will be investigated.
Story: NELIE ERASMUS
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