By Levy Masiteng
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that the principal of Franklin D Roosevelt Primary School in Randburg was sanctioned following an investigation into allegations that a school governing body (SGB) member was asked to pay about R5,000 to renew a contract.
GDE spokesperson Onwabile Lubhelwana told Inside Education that the internal disciplinary process had been concluded, while separate allegations of selling teaching posts and intimidation had not been formally reported to the department.
“The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) can confirm that the allegation relating to the demand for approximately R5000 has been investigated and internal disciplinary process concluded, and the principal was sanctioned accordingly,” Lubhelwana said.
The department not disclose the nature of the sanction or when it was imposed.
“However, no formal complaints on the allegation of selling of posts and intimidation have been reported to the Department. Once reported, the department will determine the cause of action.”
The Democratic Alliance (DA) this week called for an independent investigation into alleged financial irregularities, intimidation and staffing concerns at the school.
“We want an independent investigation into the allegations against the principal and disciplinary action against anyone found responsible for wrongdoing,” the DA said.
In a statement issued on Monday, DA Gauteng shadow MEC for education Sergio Isa Dos Santos accused the department of failing to resolve longstanding complaints involving the school’s management.
The controversy follows a protest by parents and SGB members outside the school on 13 October, when demonstrators called for the removal of principal Victor Matloga over allegations concerning his management.
Matloga had previously been dismissed and subsequently reinstated following proceedings at the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC).
The DA alleged that his reinstatement followed the department’s failure to submit required documentation within the prescribed timeframe.
However, in February, the Northcliff Melville Times reported that the department had given a different account of the proceedings.
Then-GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona told the publication that Matloga had been found guilty in an earlier disciplinary process, but that the finding did not warrant dismissal. He said Matloga successfully challenged the finding at arbitration and was exonerated.
The DA also raised concerns about educator shortages, including claims that Grade 5 Afrikaans classes were being combined because of a lack of qualified teachers.
“The situation has worsened, with 10 educators leaving the school and daily absences of at least four to five teachers,” the DA said.
The department disputed the allegations of a teacher shortage.
Lubhelwana said seven SGB employees and two GDE employees had resigned since September 2025 to pursue better employment opportunities, but that their positions had been filled.
“Numerous academic and leadership monitoring and support visits were conducted at the said school. District Officials have been allocated to mediate between the SGB and the school principal, to resolve differences and improve working relations, moving forward,” he said.
The DA has called on Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile to commission an independent investigation into the broader allegations and determine whether departmental officials failed in their duties.
The party said it would submit questions to Maile to establish the history of the dispute and assess whether the department’s handling of the matter was consistent with the documentary evidence it had obtained.
INSIDE EDUCATION
