Gauteng Department of Education has failed to employ permanent principals at three local public schools, even though they had promised that by 1 April the new appointees would commence duty.
The story titled ‘Headless’ institutions to get principals was previously published in the North Eastern Tribune [Week ending 8 March].
Sandringham, Highlands North Boys’ and Northview high schools have been operating with acting principals for over a year now, even though interviews were conducted by the school governing bodies and recommendations for the preferred candidates were forwarded to the department via the district office.
Cecilia Papo is acting principal at Northview,
“We were expecting the department to employ her and enable her to officially start her duties as a permanent principal on 1 April,” the chairperson of the School Governing Body (SGB) Aaron Molepe said. “We will be approaching the department’s district office to understand what the delays are.”
Lawrence Nayager continues to manage Highlands North Boys’ and Chris Bosielo, the chairperson of the SGB, said they also are confused about what the delay is.
“I’ve been to the district, I’ve contacted them via phone, sent them emails and now I really don’t know what the problem is. The last time I went to the district, I was told that the names submitted are still going through a ‘quality assurance process’.”
Steve Mabona, the spokesperson for the department, said, “We are still finalising and as soon as we have all the details we’ll be in a good position to respond accordingly.”
The position of principal at Sandringham is not vacant. The headmaster is currently on leave after he was involved in a car accident last year.
Details: Gauteng Department of Education www.gauteng.gov.za
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