A small group of parents and school governing body (SGB) members at Franklin D Roosevelt Primary School gathered on October 13 to demand the immediate removal of principal Victor Matloga, citing ongoing concerns over school leadership and teacher absenteeism.

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) reinstated Matloga a year ago, following an arbitration process and the technical dismissal of an extortion case. The SGB had previously levelled charges against Matloga, including fund mismanagement, staff intimidation, and extortion. Parents and SGB members claimed his return stemmed from procedural legal issues rather than an exoneration on the merits.

A general assistant at the school, speaking anonymously, alleged that the working environment had deteriorated since Matloga returned, claiming staff members have become divided. “We used to have good staff; everything was going smoothly,” the staff member said, alleging that employee relationships have broken down.

The general assistant further claimed that communication had broken down, forcing staff to approach the deputy principal for assistance with routine matters. The employee added that the situation was taking an emotional toll on staff.

Read more: Reinstatement of principal at Franklin D Roosevelt Primary School dismays parents

The ongoing leadership dispute is also raising concerns among parents regarding academic stability. A parent who has been involved in protests at the school since 2020 expressed frustration that leadership issues continue to affect learners. “My child is in Grade 7, and this is her last year at the school. I honestly don’t want to be here anymore, but I’m here to show moral support for the parents who are still fighting,” he said.

The parent said teacher resignations over the years have left his 12-year-old daughter without an Afrikaans teacher, threatening her preparation for Grade 8 next year. “She wants a proper education. She doesn’t want to simply be promoted to the next grade,” he said, adding that he returned to protest for the benefit of future generations.

The SGB has highlighted high levels of teacher absenteeism and asked for clarity regarding staff resignations and classroom instruction standards.

The publication sent a media query to the GDE regarding the allegations and the situation at the school.
GDE responds

According to GDE spokesperson Onwabile Lubhelwana, the department confirmed that no formal complaints have been received by the department regarding the school for investigations to be launched accordingly. “However, we encourage anyone with information to come forward for necessary due process to commence.”

Lubhelwana stated that it must be noted that the allegations of educator resignations are untrue. “Information at our disposal reveals that four educators and an administrator resigned in the past, before the reinstatement of the principal, due to better employment offers.”

Also read: Parent alleges bullying of his children at Franklin D Roosevelt Primary School

He noted that the school was never declared a Section 58B school, therefore he claimed it is not underperforming. “Quarterly schedules and reports submitted reflect consistently good performance. Furthermore, the school has never experienced disruption to teaching and learning, even during the protest by parents outside the school gate.”

With a capacity of 1 020 learners, Lubhelwana said the school’s current total enrolment was 855, as per the Learner Enrolment Stats on October 9. Accordingly, there is currently no class with more than 40 learners. “Numerous academic and leadership monitoring and support visits were conducted at the said school.”

Lubhelwana added that district officials have been allocated to mediate between the SGB and the school principal, to resolve differences and improve working relations moving forward.

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