Hillcrest was closed at the end of the second term after it came to light that the school was not registered with the Department of Education, despite its owner Nondumiso Ntschangi’s claims to the Middelburg Observer that it was.

The teachers, who requested to stay anonymous as to not influence future employment, say that they were not aware of the date the school was going to close and simply arrived at school at the
commencement of the third term, to find the doors locked.

One teacher, who taught the Grade R class, said that she was last paid in February this year. The second teacher, who started teaching the Grade 1 class at the beginning of the second term, claims that she has never been paid for her services.

They went as far as taking Mrs Ntschangi to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) after numerous failed attempts to get their salary. According to them, Mrs Ntschangi agreed to pay them on 15 July. A month later, they have still not received their outstanding salaries.

The women went back to the CCMA and the matter has now been referred to the Arbitration Court.

“We just want our salaries. That is all. Times are tough, no one can afford to go without money,” said one of the women. “The worst part is I have to see photos of her on social media, showing off new clothes, but she cannot pay my salary?”

• Mrs Ntschangi could not be reached for comment despite numerous attempts to contact her.