Chaos erupted at Ngodini High School in Kabokweni, Mpumalanga as learners, teachers, and parents called for the immediate removal of the principal amid allegations of sexual misconduct, teacher shortages, and financial mismanagement.
Allegations of Mismanagement and Misconduct
Protesting students and school governing body (SGB) members accuse the principal of failing to address critical issues, including a severe lack of teachers, which has disrupted learning since the beginning of the academic year.
“Grade 12 has roughly three teachers, and other subjects are not being taught,” said one learner. “In Grade 11, there is a teacher who is employed but refuses to come to class. When we ask her to teach, she says, ‘Whether I come or not, I’ll get paid at the end of the month.’”
Parents and the SGB claim they have repeatedly raised concerns with the principal, who allegedly assured them that the Department of Education was addressing the shortages. However, the department has since denied prior knowledge of the crisis.
Department Intervenes Amid Growing Outcry
The Mpumalanga Department of Education has since placed the principal on precautionary suspension and launched an investigation.
“We have approved two additional teaching posts and will soon advertise them,” said a department representative. “We are also developing a catch-up program to help learners recover lost time before exams.”
Parents and Learners Fear for the Future
With final exams approaching, students say they are unprepared due to months of disrupted learning.
“We haven’t learned anything this year,” said a Grade 12 student. “If nothing changes, we will fail.”
The department has urged parents to allow their children to return to school while authorities resolve the issues. However, tensions remain high as the community demands accountability and swift action.
