Principal locks learners out over unpaid R96 stipends
LEARNERS at Swongozwi High School were allegedly refused entrance to the premises on Friday by the principal, who apparently demanded an annual payment of R96 per learner, which would go towards buying toilet paper and also earn learners the right to wear casual clothes on Fridays.
LEARNERS at Swongozwi High School were allegedly refused entrance to the premises on Friday by the principal, who apparently demanded an annual payment of R96 per learner, which would go towards buying toilet paper and also earn learners the right to wear casual clothes on Fridays.
As a result, learners were apparently unable to prepare for their examinations.
Chairperson of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) in the Sinthumule-Kutama area, Maungedzo Nthabalala, said Sadtu wanted the department of education to intervene urgently.
“A nation that does not invest in the education of its children is a dying nation.” he said.
“Teachers are at schools to teach a culture of learning. Learners shouldn’t be punished for the failure of their parents to do certain things. Education is free to all learners.
“In future, let us involve all progressive stakeholders in the education of our children,” said Nthabalala.
The traditional leader of Madodonga village, Progress Kutama, said he was surprised and concerned to see learners lingering on the streets in school uniform during school hours.
He said learners should not be part of any problems between the school and parents. He further said it was the responsibility of the school governing body (SGB) to persuade parents to pay the R96.
Kutama appealed to the SGB and management of the school to allow learners continue with their classes in order to be educated.
“We as traditional leaders want our community members to be educated,” said Kutama.
Swongozwi principal, Khathutshelo Munonde, declined to comment on the matter and referred CV to the department’s circuit office.
The Soutpansberg West circuit manager, Christina Ramovha, said Munonde had chased learners away because, when he asked parents to meet with him, they failed to attend the meeting.
She said no one was allowed to deny any learner the right to education. Ramovha said she would discuss the matter with the principal.
“Parents must be involved in their children’s education. No one has the power to chase learners away from classes,” she said.
