Parents of learners at Ridgevale Primary School recently gathered at the school, demanding a meeting with school management and Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) officials to have the principal removed.

In a letter to the Roodepoort Record, the Concerned Parents of Ridgevale Primary claim bullying and body shaming are rife among learners, and that some teachers have allegedly humiliated students and used corporal punishment.

One parent said the school no longer provides a safe or functional environment for learners.

The letter also raises concerns about teacher shortages, which have reportedly led to split classes and some students receiving only one page of marked work so far this year. Other issues include a breakdown in communication, alleged nepotism, a “jobs for sale” scheme, financial inconsistencies, and what parents describe as a disregard for their concerns by the principal.

The Record approached GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona for comment.

Mabona said the allegations are being investigated. He added that the department had intervened in cases of corporal punishment, that teacher shortages have since been addressed, and that a catch-up plan is in place to ensure outstanding work is completed. Claims of financial mismanagement are also under review.

Regarding calls for the principal’s removal, Mabona said the department cannot remove employees without following proper investigation and labour procedures, stressing that allegations concerning the principal’s conduct are still under review.

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