An investigation into the running of Pretoria High School for Girls has shown a high-end public school run like a spaza shop.
The school principal allegedly appoints unqualified managers and support staff, some of them favoured over competent black candidates.
The principal’s husband has a gardening and grounds maintenance contract, hires and fires gardeners and drives around in one of the school vehicles without authorisation.
Gauteng Education MEC Mantome Chiloane received a report that said the man in charge of the school’s finances was appointed by the principal even though he has no diploma or degree in finance management.
Various candidates with qualifications were allegedly discouraged from applying for the post when it became clear that the principal’s hires were based on favouritism.
“The position was advertised three times. It is a finding that the finance manager does not possess a degree or a diploma which is a requirement for the position,” said Mthuthuzile Charles Mdladlamba, the director of Mdladlamba Attorneys which conducted the investigation.
The school has hired a grounds and maintenance person with no experience in the field who later outsourced the work to an outside consultant who happens to be the spouse of the principal.
The investigation was meant to probe allegations of racism in the school after a group of learners formed a “whites-only” WhatsApp group.
One black learner was suspended and accused of racism while 12 white pupils were cleared by the school governing body.
A legal firm that led the investigation has found and recommended the following:
- The principal, deputy principal and acting principal be charged with misconduct;
- A race-based selective application of discipline exists; and
- Some white staff do not greet their black colleagues.
Pictured above: Pretoria High School.
Source: File
