GDE probes finance irregularities at Northview High

The Gauteng Department of Education could be facing trouble as members of the school governing body and teachers representatives accuse the Northview High School principal of fraud and corruption.

Among the concerns that members raised to North Eastern Tribune were a demand for a forensic audit for 2012; and they want the department to investigate the unusual use of five receipt books in one financial year.

One of the members said that they were concerned by the non-submission of audited statements for the financial years 2012 and 2013; and by the unscrupulous lease agreements made by the principal with different organisations who hire the school’s facilities, including buildings and sport fields.

Another member said there was an amount of R116 000 which was a State subsidy and which was not accounted for in 2013; and that there was an unknown banking account which was created by the principal. The members were also concerned by the department’s alleged failure to attend to their grievances, although letters were sent to the office of the head of department.

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They said the department would promise to contact the members but never did.

Members said they had invited the department to the school to engage with them on what was happening, but department officials didn’t attend to their request.

In her response to the paper, Gauteng Department of Education’s spokesperson, Phumla Sekhonyane said the department was conducting a forensic investigation into various allegations of financial irregularities at the school.

She said, “We have received three different reports on the Anti-Corruption Hotline at the Public Service Commission making various allegations of financial irregularities at the school. In addition, we have also received a similar complaint from the [school governing body] which forms part of the forensic investigation.”

The compliance inspectorate has been mandated by the head of department to facilitate and manage the investigation, the outcome of which will be communicated in due course, she said.

North Eastern Tribune contacted the principal of the school for comment, but was referred to the Department of Education.

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