Parents protest Phalaborwa teacher accused of job scams

PHALABORWA – Tensions have erupted at St Patrick Mathibela Primary School in Makhushane as parents demand the immediate removal of a Gr R teacher accused of running job scams and compromising learner safety.

On Wednesday, September 10, angry parents protested outside the school, vowing to prevent the teacher from entering unless swift action is taken.

Allegations against the teacher date back to 2022 and involve scamming job seekers by promising employment at the school in exchange for payments ranging from R7 000 to R7 500.

Victims were told the money covered “forum stamps,” “police clearances,” and “training certificates,” often paid in instalments.

“She is a danger to our children. Earlier this year, a man came to the school with two bullets, one for the security guard and one for the teacher. Just this Monday, she was chased by another angry victim,” one angry parent said.

Despite reporting the matter to the school governing body (SGB), parents claim no action has been taken. Further accusations include theft of a school laptop, misappropriation of funds from learners for casual dress days and school trips, and corporal punishment.

Violence linked to the scams has escalated on school grounds.

Victims have confronted the teacher with weapons, and in one incident last year, a man allegedly attempted to strangle her with an electric cable inside her classroom, while learners watched.

“These scenes happen in front of our children. Their safety is on the line,” said a concerned parent.

A recent victim described how she was duped in August.

The teacher allegedly offered her and her two sisters positions in a fictitious Gr R teaching project. After submitting CVs, she was asked to pay R300 per CV for forum stamps, R300 per person for police clearance, and R2 600 for training certificates. Additional payments followed, including R260 supposedly for a trip to Giyani to get a required stamp.

“I started having doubts when she kept asking for money. When I confronted her, she showed me a fake bank statement dated September 6, even though the actual date was September 5,” the victim explained. She is still awaiting a refund.

Parents say the teacher’s actions have endangered learners and disrupted the school environment.

“She might end up selling our children to kidnappers,” one protester claimed.

The Department of Education spokesperson, Mike Maringa, confirmed the matter has been referred to the circuit office for investigation.