Staff and management at Mbombela school at loggerheads over alleged mismanagement

The working conditions at a high school in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, have some questioning the methods of the new administration.

Information shared from those close to the school depicts a tense atmosphere, characterised by alleged favouritism and intimidation.

However, the province’s education department has backed the school’s management, saying that matters have improved considerably since the full-time appointment of a new principal less than two years ago.

Whistleblower concerns

Since the start of the year, a source inside Lowveld High School has documented several major concerns they shared with The Citizen.

The whistleblower, who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, said concerned staff members feel trapped as all avenues of complaint involve officials with aligned interests.

Principal Elmon Thela officially took office in January 2024, but the whistleblower noted concerns over the appointment, which was signed off by an official currently facing accusations of tender irregularities.

Mpumalanga head of department Lucy Moyane was this week placed on precautionary suspension for her alleged role in a R2 million laptop procurement deal.  

The source said that approaching the highest office in the province’s education structure, the MEC, would be futile, as management claims to have the department’s backing.

“Management is creating a toxic environment where they are suggesting that they can harm people,” the source said, explaining that staff are allegedly threatened with reminders about the province’s high level of unemployment.  

Staff absenteeism

The source explained that heavy workloads and assigned tasks, some outside their core responsibilities, were causing staff to feel dejected.

Attendance registers provided to The Citizen show a high level of absenteeism, which the whistleblower attributes to a decline in mental health.  

“Staff morale is at an all-time low, with teachers especially being absent from school.

“An air of viciousness and toxicity reigns, and this translates to at least seven teachers being absent from school daily.

“Management has created an environment where there is fear. If you are seen not to be doing what they want you to do, you are targeted. If you raise issues, you are targeted,” they explained.

Complaints are directed not only at the principal and his management team but also at the SGB chairperson, who has been blamed for enabling the current situation.

“We need a thorough investigation. Things are not right at the school,” the source said.

Unions sidelined

Recruitment is another area of concern, with the source alleging that interview processes are compromised due to the lack of an interview committee.

The whistleblower claimed that a minority union is given preferential access, while the two unions with the largest staff representation are kept in the dark.

“There have been numerous interview processes this year. We are aware of three currently where there has been no union involvement. As a consequence of this, appointments are being made irregularly,” the source stated.

This preferential treatment, the sources said, is visible in general human resources issues where the absenteeism and dress code of some staff are ignored, while others are closely scrutinised with snide remarks.

Full support from the department

The Mpumalanga education department has fully supported the school’s management, stating that results have drastically improved.

“The information at the disposal of the department states to the contrary the allegations levelled against the school in question,” department spokesperson Gerald Sambo told The Citizen.

“Since the introduction of the current principal, there has been impressive stability in the school. Almost all stakeholders are satisfied with the positive inroads that the school is making,”

“The results of the school are improving, as well as the conditions for learning and teaching. The challenges which were there are now a thing of the past,” Sambo explained.

The spokesperson noted that the school’s matric results had improved from 89.6% in 2022 to 96.4% in 2024, the principal’s first full year in charge.

2024’s matric class featured 253 students, 85 of whom earned passes that would allow them to study at a tertiary facility.

“To suggest that this is outstanding will be an understatement. All that is needed is to support the principal and his management,” said Sambo.

“Any person who has a different view or challenge is encouraged to contact the Department,” Sambo concluded.

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