Lindilanga principal asks for support

Dissatisfied parents recently complained about Lindilanga Primary School school asking them to give R100 to help repair the toilets at the school.

In an article published in the Standerton Ibis of 27 March, the principal responded by saying they asked the parents to contribute because the school has not received money from the Department of Education.

It also shed light on the issue of toilets that needed urgent maintenance.

He also said the parents agreed in a meeting that the toilets need to be repaired soon and that they would contribute.

According to Mr Jacob Buthelezi of the Democratic Alliance, a similar meeting was held at Thobelani Secondary School where parents were asked to contribute.

He also said it is not fair to point fingers at the principal because the decisions regarding the affairs of the schools are taken by the school governing body (SGB).

According to Mr Bheki Buthelezi, Lindilanga Primary School SGB: treasurer, the school is a non-fee school, but parents need to contribute.

“The SGB took the decision after they saw a need and parents need to play a role,” he said.

He also said it is not against the law to ask parents to contribute.

Mr Nhlanhla Nkosi, Thuto-Thebe Secondary School SGB: chairman, agreed with Mr Buthelezi.

According to him, non-fee schools do not mean the parents do not have to pay anything.

“A school cannot function without money and it is the responsibility of the SGB to come up with ways of raising money to make repairs.

“The government processes to get money for repairs take time and we need to communicate with the parents and come up with a solution,” he said.