The Northern Cape Department of Education has suspended the principal of Aganga Thuto Primary School in Skeyfontein, outside Postmasburg, along with the circuit manager, following an unannounced visit to the school.
The decision comes after repeated complaints from parents about chronic absenteeism among teachers and the principal, who allegedly leave early every Friday and arrive late on Mondays due to traveling to their homes outside the area.
Declining Enrollment and Parental Outcry
The school, which was built in 2005 and once had over 250 learners, now has fewer than 40 enrolled. Parents blame the sharp decline on teachers’ disregard for the school schedule and their responsibilities.
“I am not okay that there is no school the whole week,” said one frustrated parent. “People see teachers in town every Friday going to their homes. Children only come to school on Friday to eat and then go home because there are no teachers.”
Another parent added, “The department has neglected us. We are certain that children do not attend classes daily, and the principal is never in school on Fridays. We don’t know his reasons for being absent.”
Department Takes Action
The provincial Department of Education conducted an unannounced inspection last Friday after media inquiries from the SABC. Following the visit, officials decided to suspend the principal and circuit manager immediately.
“After careful consideration, the department has decided to suspend both the principal and the circuit manager with immediate effect,” a spokesperson confirmed.
An administrator has been temporarily appointed to oversee the school while a team investigates the causes of the enrollment decline and implements a turnaround strategy.
Calls for Accountability and Improvement
Parents have welcomed the intervention but are demanding long-term solutions.
“We want to see the Department of Education ensuring that the future of our children is bright,” said one parent. “We need to see change. The department should come here and see what is happening in this school.”
The department has assured the community that it will monitor the situation closely to restore stability and improve education standards at Aganga Thuto Primary School.
