By Buziwe Nocuze
There was no learning at the Vukukhanye Primary School in Gugulethu on Monday as learners joined parents and community members to protest that the principal was allegedly misusing school funds.
A parent, speaking to Scrolla.Africa anonymously, said she and other parents had raised concerns after the school asked them each to pay R300 for a Surf Walk.
“We wanted to know why they are asking for R300. That is too much. Most parents are unemployed. Where are they going to get the money?” she asked.
The unemployment rate in Gugulethu is estimated to be 70%.
Another parent, Zodwa Liwani, said: “The issue is not only the Surf Walk. The principal doesn’t want to bring bank statements so that we can see how the school is using the money.
“We have churches, different stokvel groups, burial organisations, dance classes that use the school, but we have never seen [evidence of] the money they pay to use the school.”
The school governing body has previously asked to see the school’s bank statements without success.
“We can’t keep paying every time they ask us for money and fail to account for it. We want him out because he doesn’t take us seriously,” said Zodwa.
“We understand that we shouldn’t interfere with learning but there was no other way to show our anger than protesting and involving the kids. We won’t stop until we get answers.”
The principal is not allowed to talk to the media in terms of the Western Cape Education
Department’s policies.
However, the department’s spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said they have engaged with the school’s governing body and are awaiting documentation to launch an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of the school’s funds.
The school governing body has agreed to put their complaints about the principal in writing.
Pictured above: Vukukhanye Primary School learners and parents protesting in front of the school.
Image source: Supplied
