SGB resigns over 'uncooperative' principals

An alleged mismanagement of funds and corruption at JSM Setiloane Secondary School in Kroonstad, Free State, has led to the immediate resignation of the school governing body (SGB) members.

This followed a three-year battle between the SGB members and the school principal, Victor Campher, whom they accused of failing to recognise them from the first day they were elected.

SGB members, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they said their children are still enrolled at the school, said the principal had proved that the school could function without the SGB.

“We had no support from the principal as the SGB as he does everything himself without consulting us. There were allegations of mismanagement or misappropriation of school funds but the principal refused to avail financial statements and we referred the matter to the Free State education department. For three years we have encountered difficulties with the principal, who refused to work with the SGB on school financial matters,” said one of the members.

They also complained that there was no involvement of SGB members in disciplinary cases, as required by the SA Schools Act.

“Learners are expelled from the school and that is the decision only taken by the principal. Appointment of teachers has only been done by the principal without involving parents or the SGB. It is very clear that the school has no interest in the SGB activities.”

Some of the SGB members said they had removed their children from the school.

Campher refused to comment on these allegations and referred questions to the provincial department.

Free State education department spokesperson Howard Ndaba said the department was aware of the situation at the school.

“The school brought this to our attention on Thursday last week and we are investigating the matter. But we want to state categorically that parents and SGBs remain the indispensable stakeholders in the system,” Ndaba said.