Latest news with #SouthAfricanSchoolsAct
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Claims of death threats, job scams investigated at Benoni school – department says no proof exists
Claims of death threats, job scams investigated at Benoni school – department says no proof exists Despite several claims regarding teachers receiving death threats while one was murdered in April last year, as well as money paid to secure employment at the school and parents paying to access their children's report cards at Unity Secondary School in Benoni, official investigations have not resulted in uncovering any proof. Allegations of death threats The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) confirmed that several teachers from Unity Secondary temporarily relocated to the district office in late 2024 following allegations of death threats. In April 2024, the Benoni City Times reported that some teachers disclosed during the memorial service of Seraka Mogoswane (a teacher at Unity Secondary who was murdered) that unknown men had followed and intimidated them in the months leading up to his death. Mogoswane was shot and killed on April 5 while sitting in a parked car in Daveyton. Although their concerns were regarded as serious, the department instructed the teachers to return to the school in 2025 because of a lack of supporting evidence. Jobs for sale allegations Adding to the school's woes, the department also investigated allegations that teaching posts were being sold. According to GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona, they received a complaint in November 2024 from an applicant who claimed she had to deposit R17 000 into a teacher's bank account for employment. 'The implicated teacher denied involvement, and with no further cooperation from the complainant, the matter was closed because of a lack of evidence,' said Mabona. Voluntary donations by parents allowed Financial governance issues have also come under scrutiny, with allegations that parents had to pay a R450 annual contribution to access their children's report cards. However, Mabona clarified the department did not receive formal complaints. 'Upon inquiry, it was confirmed the contribution was a voluntary donation agreed upon at the school's AGM, with flexibility for parents to contribute what they could afford,' he explained. The department stated this practice was in line with Section 37(1) of the South African Schools Act, 1996, which allows school governing bodies (SGBs) to supplement state funding. Concerns about transparency in the SGB's financial records prompted the department to conduct governance training on April 1, followed by a workshop led by the National Department of Basic Education on April 15. Following these interventions, Mabona stated that all SGB members had access to the school's financial statements, and they strengthened the communication structures to enhance accountability. Interventions launched to stop academic delince Regarding academic performance, Unity Secondary has experienced a notable decline in matric results, dropping from a 98% pass rate in 2020 to 86% in 2024. Mabona said the department launched a series of interventions to support both teachers and learners. 'These include the establishment of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), targeted training in critical subjects, curriculum support from subject advisors, and ongoing development through the Provincial Just-in-Time (JIT) training programme. 'Learners also receive support through Saturday and holiday programmes under the Secondary School Intervention Programme (SSIP), including residential camps,' Mabona added. Mabona indicated that the school currently has two vacant departmental head (DH) posts and one deputy principal position. The DH posts were advertised in Vacancy Circular Two of 2025, with appointments expected by August 1. The deputy principal position will be advertised later this year. The department also confirmed that it reviewed the school principal's qualifications and found them to be valid, and that he did not require any disciplinary action. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- The Citizen
Principal probe, school fires, and budget tug-of-war unpacked
The department also confirmed that the principal of Hoërskool Waterkloof is facing a disciplinary process. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has continued to address matters surrounding school function transfers, disciplinary processes, and fire safety in schools. On Monday, the department addressed a series of concerns, including allegations of teacher posts being sold at Unity Secondary School, the fire incident at Riverlea High School, and funding challenges for Schools of Specialisation. Additionally, GDE on Tuesday formally transferred the responsibility of paying municipal accounts back to schools in Eldorado Park. Schools regain control of municipal payments This comes after the department temporarily assumed the function in April 2024 due to 'poor financial management' by some School Governing Bodies (SGBs). According to the department, the transfer was in line with the South African Schools Act. 'The six fee-paying schools in Eldorado Park were formally informed in 2023 that the responsibility […] would be returned to them. The nine no-fee schools received similar notification in 2025,' it said. The department clarified that, legally, the Head of Department (HOD) may withdraw or reinstate such functions without consultation. 'Section 21 of the Schools Act allows for schools to apply for additional functions; it does not require consultation before such functions are reinstated or withdrawn,' the statement read. Schools are now encouraged to improve their financial management systems and 'raise additional funds under Section 36 of the Act' to meet their obligations. ALSO READ: Education minister calls on all roleplayers to help stop kids bullying Principal of Hoërskool Waterkloof under investigation The department also confirmed that the principal of Hoërskool Waterkloof is facing a disciplinary process following allegations of improper conduct. The principal was placed on precautionary transfer to the district office on 12 September 2024, with the measure lifted on 12 December 2024. 'Due to the sensitivity of the matter and the disciplinary hearing still being pending, full details of the allegations […] cannot be disclosed at this time,' the Department stated. The hearing is being managed by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC). The principal has since returned to the school, and no official complaints of victimisation have been reported. The GDE added that clear grievance procedures are in place and that it is 'monitoring this case closely'. ALSO READ: KZN Education welcomes arrest of alleged serial school rapist Fire safety remains a concern in Gauteng schools Between the 2021/22 and 2025/26 financial years, 29 fire incidents were recorded across Gauteng schools. The GDE reported that six schools were repaired at a cost of R9.3 million, while ten others received support through insurance or donations. 13 schools are yet to be repaired, with their cases referred to the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development for assessment. The GDE noted that many schools 'have limited fire safety infrastructure,' though firefighting equipment has been provided to high-risk institutions. 'Firefighting and emergency response training is provided to learners and educators through accredited programmes,' the department said. However, inspections show that many schools still lack functional fire alarms and proper firefighting equipment. 'The department remains committed to expanding safety training and infrastructure… to ensure that all schools meet minimum Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards,' the statement concluded. NOW READ: Jobs for cash, missing millions and fire chaos: Gauteng education responds to school scandals
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- The Citizen
Gauteng education responds to school scandals
Complaints about the SGB's financial practices prompted a governance intervention in April The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has addressed a series of concerns involving Unity Secondary School in Daveyton, a fire incident at Riverlea High School, and challenges in funding for Schools of Specialisation (SoS). The department on Monday acknowledged allegations that teaching posts were being sold at Unity Secondary School. The case dates back to a 2024 complaint alleging that a R17 000 deposit was made into a teacher's account in exchange for employment. 'The implicated teacher denied any involvement, and with no further cooperation from the complainant, the matter was closed due to a lack of evidence,' the GDE said. The department also responded to claims that parents were forced to pay R450 for student report cards. It said this was 'a voluntary donation, agreed upon at the Annual General Meeting', which aligns with Section 37(1) of the South African Schools Act. Complaints about the School Governing Body's (SGB) financial practices prompted a governance intervention in April. 'All SGB members were granted access to the school's financial statements, and communication structures were strengthened,' said the GDE. ALSO READ: Education minister calls on all roleplayers to help kids' kids bullying Decline in pass rates and staffing shortages The department acknowledged a decrease in the school's matric pass rate from 98% in 2020 to 86% in 2024. In response, it has rolled out teacher development programmes and learner support through the Secondary School Intervention Programme (SSIP). Staffing shortages remain an issue. 'The school currently has two vacant departmental head (DH) posts and one vacant deputy principal post,' the statement confirmed. A mid-year appointment is expected for the deputy principal position. ALSO READ: Discipline and learning collapse at Wordsworth High School Riverlea High fire under investigation Riverlea High School sustained significant infrastructure damage after a fire broke out on 27 April. Investigations by the South African Police Service (Saps) forensic unit are ongoing. While five mobile classrooms were delivered to reduce disruptions, the department confirmed that 'no expenditures to report at this time' for the R2.5 million repair plan. The school had limited fire safety infrastructure, and the last fire safety inspection was not recorded before the incident. Fire blankets and basic firefighting training were introduced after the fire, and further collaboration with emergency services is planned for later this year. ALSO READ: VIDEO: Second blaze destroys 11 Riverlea High School classrooms Specialisation schools face budget constraints Funding for SoS schools has been reduced due to broader budgetary constraints. However, the department said it 'continues to pay salaries for all state-employed educators and supports infrastructure costs, excluding minor maintenance.' The GDE reiterated that schools can supplement resources through fundraising. 'Any additional needs are to be addressed through the school's fundraising initiatives,' the statement read. The department urged collaboration with SGBs and stakeholders to improve accountability and learning outcomes. 'These issues are being attended to with the necessary diligence,' it said. NOW READ: School in south of Joburg rocked by sexual harassment claims
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- The Citizen
Education dept condemns assault on Sosh learners as punishment for allegedly being late
Education dept condemns assault on Sosh learners as punishment for allegedly being late The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has strongly condemned an alarming incident at Soshanguve South Secondary School on May 19, when community members allegedly assaulted learners for arriving at school late. According to GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona, community members forcefully entered the school premises after overpowering scholar patrollers. Once inside, they allegedly began beating up learners in front of staff. The group is also said to have verbally abused the principal for trying to intervene. 'We strongly condemn this unacceptable act of violence and urge community members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands,' said Mabona. 'Physical violence or intimidation, especially against children and education officials, can never be justified, regardless of the frustration over issues like lateness.' The department confirmed that an assault case has been opened with police, and that psycho-social support services are being extended to affected learners and staff. 'While we acknowledge the frustrations that may arise from issues such as lateness, under no circumstances can physical violence or intimidation be justified, especially when directed at children and education officials,' said Mabona. Mabona said such actions not only traumatise learners and staff, but also undermine the safe and supportive learning environment 'we are committed to upholding in all our schools'. 'We appeal to all stakeholders to work collaboratively with the department and school leadership through proper channels to resolve concerns lawfully and constructively.' Bongani Ramontja, Chairperson of Soil of Africa, said this act is a stark reminder of the pervasive culture of violence in some Tshwane schools. 'As an organisation, we will not tolerate such atrocities. The principal's actions constitute an egregious abuse of power, and the community members involved have taken the law into their own hands. Section 10 of the South African Schools Act (Act 84 of 1996) explicitly prohibits corporal punishment. The Constitution of South Africa, Section 12(1)(c), guarantees the right to freedom from all forms of violence.' He demanded the immediate suspension of the principal pending investigation. 'We demand the arrest and prosecution of community members involved, suspension of teachers who failed to intervene, dismissal and revocation of the principal's qualifications if allegations are substantiated and thorough investigation and accountability from the department.' [STORY] The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has strongly condemned an alarming incident at Soshanguve South Secondary School on May 19, when community members allegedly assaulted learners for arriving at school late. See video below. — Pretoria Rekord (@RekordNewspaper) May 21, 2025 Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Inclusive Education in South Africa - A Forgotten Promise?
It has been 24 years since the South African government introduced Education White Paper 6 (2001), a policy intended to transform the education system and ensure that learners with disabilities could access mainstream schooling. The plan set a 20-year deadline, envisioning a fully inclusive system by 2021. That deadline has passed - without acknowledgement, without explanation, and without action. As we approach Youth Day, it's time to reflect on the reality that, despite legislative commitments, thousands of children with disabilities remain excluded from education. 49 years after the Soweto Uprising, marginalisation still exists - not through legislation, but through inaction. A 2015 Human Rights Watch report estimated that 600,000 children with disabilities were out of school. Since then, the numbers have remained largely unchanged. In 2021, Stats SA reported that 44% of out-of-school children had been excluded due to disability or perceived poor academic performance. If every school in South Africa had made provision for even a handful of these children, the impact would have been profound. Instead, in many communities, learners with special educational needs remain invisible, overlooked, and denied the fundamental right to education. South Africa's legal framework clearly supports inclusive education. The South African Schools Act (1996), Education White Paper 6 (2001), and the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities all reinforce the commitment to ensuring that learners with disabilities have equal opportunities. The National Development Plan and the Five-Year Strategic Plan (2015) further outline steps to make inclusive education a reality. Yet policy alone is not enough. Without clear implementation plans, accountability, or funding, these frameworks exist only on paper. The government has failed to address why the commitments made in White Paper 6 have not materialised. The silence is telling - it speaks to a reality where inclusive education is simply not prioritised. Internationally, inclusive education has been driven by advocacy and activism. It is parents, educators, and communities that have demanded change. In South Africa, where is that demand? Inclusive education cannot be an abstract concept or a policy reserved for committee discussions. It must be an active movement to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, has access to learning. Schools must be willing to open their doors, teachers must be equipped with the skills to support diverse learners, and communities must actively push for change. The right to education is the foundation of future economic and social inclusion - without it, meaningful participation in society is impossible. The Employment Equity Amendment Act (2022) has introduced workplace disability quotas, a significant step towards greater inclusivity in the workforce. However, these quotas are meaningless if learners with disabilities are excluded from the education system to begin with. The disconnect between education policy and employment policy underscores the broader issue - there is no long-term vision for inclusion in South Africa. The systemic barriers in schooling are setting up an entire generation for exclusion beyond the classroom. There are concerns that recent education policy shifts are being driven by cost-cutting rather than inclusion. The table describing the district support teams suggests: one occupational therapist, one educational psychologist and one social worker per 40,000 learners; one senior counsellor and one learning support specialist per district. In terms of other scholastic activities like sport and arts, seven specialists will attend 100 schools. One teacher's assistant or class aide will be provided for every 50 learners who may have personalised needs. The approach frames disabled learners as numbers to be managed, rather than individuals with the right to quality education. Without meaningful support structures, adequate funding, and teacher training, inclusive education will remain a distant goal rather than a reality. The question remains - what has been done to ensure that inclusive education is no longer just a policy but a lived reality? White Paper 6 was meant to change the education landscape, but without accountability, it has failed. The deadline has passed, but the work remains undone. Nelson Mandela once said, "It always seems impossible until it is done." Inclusive education is possible, but it will require more than words. It will take action, advocacy, and the collective will to demand that no child is left behind.
