By Levy Masiteng
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for an independent investigation into alleged financial irregularities, intimidation and staff shortages at a Johannesburg primary school, months after parents raised concerns about its principal’s reinstatement, and just a week after a protest at the school.
In a statement on Monday, the party accused the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) of failing to resolve longstanding complaints involving the management of Franklin D Roosevelt Primary School in Randburg.
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education Sergio Isa Dos Santos said the allegations included the sale of posts, extortion and intimidation involving the school’s principal.
One complaint involved a school governing body (SGB) member who was allegedly asked to pay R5,000 to renew a contract.
The party also raised concerns about staffing shortages.
“The situation has worsened, with 10 educators leaving the school and daily absences of at least four to five teachers,” the DA said.
It claimed that Grade 5 Afrikaans classes were being combined because of a shortage of qualified educators, with some learners being taught by unqualified staff.
On 13 October, parents and SGB members protested outside the school, demanding the removal of principal Victor Matloga over longstanding allegations concerning his management.
In February, the Northcliff Melville Times reported that parents had protested against the reinstatement of Matloga following disciplinary proceedings.
SGB chairperson Fagmoedien Otto told the publication that complaints involving alleged financial mismanagement, intimidation, abuse of power and extortion had been raised with the department several years earlier.
Otto claimed that procedural failures by the department had undermined disciplinary proceedings against the principal.
However, the GDE disputed the suggestion that Matloga had escaped accountability solely because of procedural failures.
Department spokesperson Steve Mabona told the publication at the time that the principal had been found guilty in disciplinary proceedings, but that the outcome did not warrant dismissal.
“Accordingly, he appealed the guilty verdict, and, as such, he was exonerated at arbitration, consequently there is no questionable conduct on his part,” Mabona said.
The department said it respected the arbitration outcome.
The DA has now questioned the handling of the case, alleging that the principal was reinstated by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) after the department failed to submit required documentation within the prescribed timeframe.
The party wants Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile to investigate the department’s handling of the matter and establish whether officials failed to carry out their responsibilities.
“We will submit questions to the MEC to establish the history of this case and determine whether it aligns with all the documentary evidence obtained,” the DA said.
It also wants an independent investigation into the allegations against the principal and disciplinary action against anyone found responsible for wrongdoing.
The department did not respond to questions from Inside Education. Their responses will be added once received.
INSIDE EDUCATION
