KZN education department promises to finalise probe into 'problem' principal
One of the concerned parents, Judy Galassi, lamented how the school was struggling after the departure of 13 teachers.
'These educators were instrumental in our community to help our children. This is an extremely high turnover and it affects our children, the continuity in the classroom and their learning experience,' said Galassi.
While presenting her concerns, including the principal's unilateral decision to drop isiZulu as a first additional language, Galassi was heckled by other parents.
'He did this without informing the MEC or anyone in the department. This has resulted in 47 children being forced to learn in one overcrowded class,' she said.
She alleged the principal had also introduced remedial units which were unauthorised and advertised without department approval.
'Funds are [allegedly] being redirected to staff entertainment and other expenditures including braais and alcohol which are expenses outside procedure,' said Galassi.
The concerns extended to alleged financial mismanagement and use of the school bakkie.
'There was an analysis done on fuel costs to the school, which was R55,000 compared with R24,000 the year before. It's a cost to the school and the estate manager who was also unable to use the bakkie,' Galassi alleged.
Another parent raised a concern about an allegation that the school governing body had made the principal a cash offer to resign.
'I am concerned because this is inappropriate and it has not been dealt with,' said the father.
Parent Mbuyise Ntuli called for a speedy finalisation of the matter.
'This school has got [a] history and a good image. It's a brand to us and therefore we want to send a message to say 'can you protect this brand?'. I saw this school for the first time on TV for all the wrong reasons,' said Ntuli.
He asked school management and the department to get its house in order
'It appears this matter has not been concluded. If there is a person who ought to be suspended, let it be so. If the allegations against the man are not there, can you clear the man? He is a family man.'
Other parents also called for a speedy finalisation of the investigation as it had also divided the community.
DA MPL and the party's education spokesperson Sakhile Mngadi said he was upset at the slow pace in which the matter was being handled. He had submitted questions about the issue in the legislature.
The DA had 'critical information' which will be forwarded to the MEC's office to assist with the investigation.
'The DA has not taken any side. We are only on the side of the children who will continue to be affected [by] the instability at this school.'
He was taken to task by an official accusing him of not declaring his presence at the meeting and forced to leave.
The department has undertaken to finalise the investigation by June 12.
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