“Corrupt” teachers must step down

Political parties are calling for action to be taken against corrupt schools on the North Coast.

The National Freedom Party (NFP) has demanded that the KZN education department investigate claims of fraud, maladministration and corruption at Mbonisweni Primary school in Hambanathi, Tongaat.

The party alleged that the principal and deputy principal, who are sisters, have been misusing the school’s money and “selling” positions to friends and family.

Also read: Teacher receives paid leave for 14 years

The NFP are outraged that no action has been taken against them.

“They were both previously investigated and the unfold of corruption started from 2007. The MEC for Education and KZN portfolio committee members are aware of the problem and had previously visited the school. In 2014/2015, the department instituted a forensic investigation but to date the matter remains unresolved and no action has been taken.”

The report of the forensic investigation that is in the Courier’s possession, shows that teachers at the school admitted that the principal demanded bribes from them in exchange for a position.

Between 2004 to 2014, R34 000 had apparently been paid to the principal by six teachers.

A case of fraud and bribery was opened at the Tongaat police station. It was also found that cheques without supporting documents to prove what payments were made for, were issued from the school.

Also read: School pupils out of control in Ilembe

Meanwhile in KwaDukuza, the ANC Youth League has demanded that the education department fire 300 teachers in the Ilembe district who they claim are unqualified.

The League has called for the education department to address the issue immediately, and should they not do so, they threatened to mobilize unemployed and qualified youth to protest at the department and demand employment.

“We are also calling on SADTU not to defend indefensible simply because they happen to have SADTU membership; matter of fact there are many rogue elements who hide behind SADTU banner who perpetuate wrongs knowing very well that SADTU will defend them. If anything we expect SADTU to explain this decision because we cannot compromise at the expense of young people who are the future of this nation.

“Worse, what we find despicable is the fact that the Department of Education claims to have given these teachers the opportunity to go and obtain their qualifications but instead, they opted to defy; hence to this day they are not in possession of,” said ANCYL secretary Musa Zondi.

The KZN education department has not responded.

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