Mismanagement allegations at Pretoria north primary school confirmed

An investigation by the Gauteng education department said that allegations of racism, maladministration and financial mismanagement at the Laerskool Theresapark in the north of Pretoria were true.

These allegations were levelled against the school’s management, other staff and the school’s governing body (SGB) members, both current and previous.

The report, submitted by the department’s acting chief director of risk and compliance William Makgabo, contained evidence of corrupt financial conduct by several staff members and some SGB members, according to departmental spokesperson Steve Mabona.

“It revealed that the school allegedly had two bank accounts, and procurement deals were closely linked to certain staff. In addition, some SGB members were found to be in conflict of interest by procuring from service providers who were linked to either themselves or their family members,” he said.

With regards to charges of racism, Mabona said the report “clearly” showed that the school’s principal had discriminated against black teachers and viewed them as less educated than their white colleagues.

According to the report, she “essentially lacked” sufficient management skills to lead ethically.

“More so, the report revealed that white educators were racist against black children and refused to teach them. Some educators were also reported to be missing payments on their children’s fees at the school,” he said.

The report recommended the department should pursue litigation and criminal cases against those implicated in the illegal procurement processes, including family members and close friends of staff and SGB members.

The report also recommended a transformation strategy to deal with racism within the school’s staff and also redirect the SGB’s focus towards their core responsibilities at the school.

Following the presentation of the report, MEC Panyaza Lesufi acknowledged the findings and promised parents that further decisive action would follow beyond the investigation.

“There’s an understanding that a lot of wrong things were happening at the school. First is the issue of governance, which signifies serious limitations and gaps. Second is the issue of management through the school management team. This is completely unacceptable.

“Third is the leadership of the school through the principal, there are matters that need our immediate attention. Lastly, which is something that I don’t take kindly to, is matters of racism and discrimination against learners,” he said.

“As soon as the people who are implicated are allowed to respond to these findings, we will act and update everyone accordingly,” Lesufi said.

The report came as a result of a video that went viral in May, showing Laerskool Theresapark parents angrily hauling the school principal sitting on a chair out of the school building before she falls onto the ground.

The incident led to the appointment of independent investigative bodies to probe all allegations levelled against the school’s management.