The Eastern Cape department of education is investigating a principal accused of carrying a firearm to school.The allegation against Ntombiza-nele Gogi is contained in a letter from staff at Mdantsane Junior Primary School to the district education office.
The Daily Dispatch has seen a copy of the letter, in which staff allege they feel threatened.
Staff members further alleged in the letter that the trouble with the principal started when they had questions about school finances.
They also raised concern about the procurement of goods and contractors, saying there was uncertainty on how much it would cost the school.
School governing body (SGB) chairwoman Ntombikayise Mangaliso confirmed the letter of complaints and investigation into claims of a firearm brought to school.
“The worst thing is despite being the SGB chair, I am not allowed to know the finances of this school,” said Mangaliso.
Gogi yesterday said she would not respond to the allegations.
Provincial education spokesman Mali Mtima said officials had visited the school after hearing of the teachers’ complaints.
“We’ve warned the principal that if we hear that she was carrying a firearm at work again, she could lose her job.
“Also, for the teachers, if they’ve got complaints, they know the platforms where they can voice their grievances.”
In the letter, dated February 18 and addressed to the education development officer Lundi Majangaza, teacher Pumza Mpulampula alleges the principal is not accountable to anyone.
“She’s the finance officer, a treasurer, buyer and her decisions are final. The school governing body is not functional as they don’t have signing powers.
“She’s always armed with a pistol. We are always in fear.”
The teacher said she was a member of the newly elected finance committee of the SGB, but was in the dark about how much money the school has.
“I can’t tell where are the finances, how much we’ve spent and how much is left. That I can’t tell. Things are procured and we have contractors at school but don’t know how they were sourced.”
The Dispatch contacted Mpulampula regarding the letter, but she referred all questions to the education department.
“Teachers are not happy but speak to the department as the letter is with them.” — bonganif@dispatch. co.za
Teachers in fear as principal accused of bringing gun to school
The allegation against Ntombiza-nele Gogi is contained in a letter from staff at Mdantsane Junior Primary School to the district education office.
The Daily Dispatch has seen a copy of the letter, in which staff allege they feel threatened.
Staff members further alleged in the letter that the trouble with the principal started when they had questions about school finances.
They also raised concern about the procurement of goods and contractors, saying there was uncertainty on how much it would cost the school.
School governing body (SGB) chairwoman Ntombikayise Mangaliso confirmed the letter of complaints and investigation into claims of a firearm brought to school.
“The worst thing is despite being the SGB chair, I am not allowed to know the finances of this school,” said Mangaliso.
Gogi yesterday said she would not respond to the allegations.
Provincial education spokesman Mali Mtima said officials had visited the school after hearing of the teachers’ complaints.
“We’ve warned the principal that if we hear that she was carrying a firearm at work again, she could lose her job.
“Also, for the teachers, if they’ve got complaints, they know the platforms where they can voice their grievances.”
In the letter, dated February 18 and addressed to the education development officer Lundi Majangaza, teacher Pumza Mpulampula alleges the principal is not accountable to anyone.
“She’s the finance officer, a treasurer, buyer and her decisions are final. The school governing body is not functional as they don’t have signing powers.
“She’s always armed with a pistol. We are always in fear.”
The teacher said she was a member of the newly elected finance committee of the SGB, but was in the dark about how much money the school has.
“I can’t tell where are the finances, how much we’ve spent and how much is left. That I can’t tell. Things are procured and we have contractors at school but don’t know how they were sourced.”
The Dispatch contacted Mpulampula regarding the letter, but she referred all questions to the education department.
“Teachers are not happy but speak to the department as the letter is with them.” — bonganif@dispatch. co.za
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