Disbanded SGB on corruption bandwagon

GEORGE NEWS - A suspended chairperson, deputy chairperson and members of the disbanded former school governing body (SGB) of Conville Primary, along with political affiliates from the South African Communist Party and ANC, gathered at Conville Primary School's gates last Thursday, 22 February, for a picketing protest to create awareness around what they believe is administrative corruption at the school.

"We opened a case of fraud and corruption against officials of the Western Cape Education Department for, among other things, unprocedural appointments," said the former deputy chairperson, Langa Langa, and the former chairperson, Rosina Booysen, who organised the picket.

Their main targets are District Director Jewel Jonkers, Circuit Manager Thembekile Bango and Monica Arries, a teacher who acted as principal during the time.

Langa and Booysen allege that there was a deliberate attempt by both Jonkers and Bango to undo the appointment processes of the deputy principal, subject heads as well as members of the school management team. They also question certain appointments made at Conville Primary, as well as Heatherlands High. They believe it was orchestrated by key role players.

Members of the school's disbanded SGB and political affiliates joined the picket at Conville Primary last Thursday, 22 February. Teaching and learning was not disrupted, and the school programme continued.

Langa and Booysen said they received letters informing them of their suspension earlier this month. "They want to get rid of us, because they see us as an obstacle, hindering their corrupt activities," said Langa. "We demand a forensic investigation into this entire department by WCED, the public protector and the police."

Failure to support

WCED's Bronagh Hammond confirmed the disbandment of the school's SGB. "Yes, the notice to withdraw the functions of the SGB was signed on 1 February 2024. This was as a result of the failure of the SGB to support the principal, teachers and staff in the performance of their professional functions," said Hammond.

"The letter was signed by the Head of Education in the province, Brent Walters, after following due process."

Devoid of truth

Hammond said the statements by certain individuals are devoid of truth and are representative of what has been exposed over the past six months.

"The SGB had also failed to fulfil their functions in ensuring posts were filled," she said. The new circuit manager, as part of his job requirements, supported the school and encouraged that recruitment and selection processes be followed. He followed due process. This only exposed the inability of the SGB to support the school effectively."

False allegations

Hammond said the allegations regarding the appointment of educators have been investigated.

To Langa and Booysen's allegations that an unqualified Grade R educator was recently placed in a Grade 1 post without having completed her qualifications, she replied as follows: "Some of the allegations related to appointments done under the previous principal. The allegation regarding one of the educators appointed recently was found to be false. The district has reported that the teacher is suitably qualified.

"The WCED can confirm that the educator has a BEd degree and is paid via our Grade R subsidy and not Norms and Standards. She is suitably qualified to teach. The allegations are thus false."

Regarding the Heatherlands High appointment, she said that appointments of public service staff is done by the SGBs of the respective schools. "The circuit manager of Conville Primary is in a different circuit to that of Heatherlands. Therefore, they have no influence over another circuit and their appointment processes. The allegations are thus reportedly false. There has been a number of allegations without merit regarding certain recruitment and selection processes. Some have already been investigated," said Hammond.

"Regarding the appointment of the deputy and departmental heads, the process was concluded at school level. The circuit manager and the director were not part of this process at all. They have two deputy principal vacant posts and no documents have been received as yet at head office."

Other concerns

Hammond said the WCED is addressing the concerns raised regarding the condition of some of the school facilities. "Eight classrooms, the kitchen and toilet facilities are currently being replaced. The school is due, budget permitting, to receive a new fence in the 2024/25 financial year."

Rosina Booysen and Langa Langa used to serve as chair and deputy chair of Conville Primary's school governing body. The SGB was disbanded earlier this month by the Provincial Head of Education, Brent Walters. Photo: Michelle Pienaar