By Celani Sikhakhane
State funds for poor rural schools in KwaZulu-Natal are at the centre of a fight over positions, which led to the burning of a newly-appointed principal’s home on Sunday night.
The luxury house of KwaNogcoyi Primary School principal, Barbie Mbatha Mazeka, and her two cars were burnt to ashes allegedly by community members who were questioning her appointment.
ANC leaders in the Mzala Nxumalo region revealed that an amount close to half a million rand had been stolen on the pretext of buying school furniture.
Regional secretary Ntokozo Nxumalo said that this is why Mbatha Mazeka was attacked — because she planned to unearth that corruption.
“The information we have points out the people who are behind the embezzlement of R130,000. We were then alerted about R150,000 that was stolen, and a further R100,000.
“These are matters that Mbatha Mazeka was going to deal with when she officially started her work as principal of KwaNogcoyi,” said Nxumalo.
But he didn’t reveal why they have not taken this information to the police.
National Freedom Party secretary Zandile Myeni said there are reports of cases that have not been attended to for years in that school.
Myeni said that they are calling for a forensic investigation to take place urgently and check all previous cases of fraud at KwaNogcoyi.
Scrolla.Africa has learned that about R1 million of annual funds was spent without leaving a trace.
A tender for grass cutting, awarded to one of the retired teachers, has also caused infighting.
That teacher is said to be controlling the school. Attempts to get hold of him were unsuccessful.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said no arrest has been made so far but they are still investigating.
Pictured above: KwaNogcoyi Primary School principal Barbie Mbatha Mazeka
Image source: Supplied
