The Diepkloof community gathered again on April 20 outside Boundless School to receive feedback on a memorandum submitted eleven days earlier.

The school responded to residents’ concerns following an initial meeting with community representatives to review and discuss the document.

Residents had previously raised concerns about access to opportunities, the clarity of information shared, as well as claims related to learner enrolment and programme criteria.

During the feedback session, Bishop Jabulani Mthethwa, the campus director, addressed and corrected claims previously made by Pat Mmabolo, the convener and community activist.

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He clarified that claims that 400 learners were part of the Boundless programme and receiving a R3 000 stipend were not linked to the institution. Instead, they referred to an external programme that had approached Boundless to offer free training. The names of those involved in the external programme could not be disclosed for safety reasons.

It was also clarified that reports alleging that a person with disabilities was charged R1 000 to join the programme were false, as this is not how the institution operates.

“We are committed to developing the Diepkloof community, but the challenge is that demand is very high and we have only just completed one year since March,” said Bishop Jabulani Mthethwa. He added that 70% of staff at the institution come from Ward 29.

Two community representatives, together with the councillor, addressed residents after engaging with Boundless on the memorandum.

James Ngoetjana, a community elder who attended the meeting, said Boundless had agreed to 10 of the 11 points raised in the memorandum.

The only point not agreed to was point nine, which states: “We demand a review of Boundless management leadership, specifically concerning the individual referred to as the Bishop.

“We request leadership that possesses the appropriate skills, qualifications, professionalism, and commitment to operate the institution without favouritism.”

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Teboho Seemela said there was a report that the councillor had requested details on how many CVs were received and how many people were hired.

“We rely on the councillor to come back to us and tell us if indeed people from Zone 14 were hired after looking at that list.”

Ward councillor Ismael Steenkamp explained that he had requested the board to recognise the appointed task team.

“I’ve also requested that they become part of the board, but they are not decision-makers; they are there to hear everything that is being discussed.”