Guardian allegedly denied participation in school affairs

The concerned guardian of a young girl in Ga-Sebotse village, Ga-Matlala is waging war against the Department of Education as he is allegedly denied participation in the school affairs of Nare Mohlalerwa Primary School although he was granted guardianship of his niece by her mother.
Moss Moloto claims he has been engaging with the school principal and Capricorn North District Director, Director Mothemane on the issue but, despite having submitted the relevant documents as requested, he is still not recognised as the guardian of the child. According to Moloto, who is the biological mother’s uncle, the submitted documents included affidavits by the mother, the child’s grandmother who was the previous guardian, and a letter from the social workers.
The requested documents were for him to be formally admitted as the guardian of the child but he was amazed to be denied an opportunity to participate in a parents meeting at the school in January.
Moloto was allegedly informed by the principal that his status as the guardian of the child could not be confirmed since he bears a different surname from that of the child. He was allegedly threatened in an SMS from the principal that the Police would be called for his arrest should he force to attend meetings. The unfavourable situation at the school prompted Moloto to approach his legal team to draft a letter which was reportedly hand delivered to the department on 22 January for intervention. A copy of a letter that was made available to Polokwane Observer highlighted that the department was given seven days to respond but according to Moloto they never received a formal response other than a phone call from Mothemane informing his legal team and the mother of the child that they would never recognise him as a guardian because he must look after his owner children.
“My niece is allowed at the school but I can’t participate in school activities as her guardian. The child’s mother has an unstable job that is why she requested me to look after her daughter. I have been providing the child with educational tools and school uniform as the real guardian but I don’t understand why the school can’t recognise me,” Moloto stressed, adding that all he want is to take part in school activities like any other parent.
The mother of the child confirmed that she had granted Moloto guardianship and was shocked when she learnt that the school can’t allow him to be the guardian. She further stated that Moloto has been helpful when it comes to purchasing school products for her child that is why she gave him the rights to take care of her.
“I have received phone calls from one woman at the department and Mothemane and I confirmed to them that Moloto was the guardian but still he is not allowed at the school. I don’t work full-time hence I requested assistance from him,” she explained.
When responding to the allegations, Mothemane indicated that Moloto does not qualify to be the guardian of the child because the law states that for one to be granted guardianship of the child, that particular child must be orphaned, vulnerable, living on the streets or without visible means of support. He added that a social worker registered with the Department of Social Development must assess the family, child and the school and submit a comprehensive report to the Department of Education and a local magistrate, of which this process was not followed. According to Mothemane, a case must be presented to the magistrate in children’s court because only the magistrate can appoint the guardian.
He further alleged that their investigations revealed that a letter submitted by Moloto claiming that it was from a social worker was drafted by a person who is not registered with the Department of Social Development as a social worker. Mothemane concluded by saying Moloto did not follow due processes and stated that they have forwarded a detailed report to his legal representatives yesterday (Wednesday).

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za