LIMPOPO – They claim the woman had been rejected for several other positions, and her appointment was made since she is related to the circuit manager.
Last Wednesday, the parents, SGB members and the traditional leader of Mbaleni held a meeting at the school and resolved to send learners home.
They said learners would not return to class until the new principal, Tshifhiwa Tshivhase and another teacher who was deployed to the school, were removed from their positions.
The Chairperson of Mbaleni Primary School, Sivhaga Lukoto said during the meeting that they fear the Circuit Manager, Thifheli Tshivhase had ignored the recommendations made by the SGB, in appointing the new principal.
“We were told to recommend a new principal in October last year and we did so based on the interviews and panel competency outcomes.”
He said they were surprised that Tshivhase, who is the former principal of Gondeni Primary School, and who was their third-best recommendation, was appointed in the position of principal.
“Her appointment was done against our recommendation. The candidate whom we suggested had served in a deputy principal position for almost a decade, and was overlooked,” said Lukoto.
He said the circuit manager told them the appointment was done in line with Employment Equity regulations, but that “these had been misinterpreted”.
“He deliberately favoured individuals who have close relations with senior officials in the Vhembe education office and therefore we say they are corrupt.”
The traditional leader of Mbaleni village, Chief Lukheli Mphaphuli advised that that these allegations be investigated speedily.
The Circuit Manager of Sibasa, Thifheli Tshivhase told CV that the appointment made was one based on gender equality.
Education Spokesperson, Sam Makondo told CV that it was disappointing that parents who should be protecting the education of their own children should stay at home.
“We expect parents to send their children to school. Learners must be in class while the department and parents resolve matters of this kind,” said Makondo.
