Community members are rallying behind the principal of Trafalgar high school who is under investigation by the Green Scorpions. In a statement released by the Trafalgar school governing body, the SGB has affirmed its support for principal Nadeem Hendricks who has been charged with allowing the illegal dumping of waste, amongst other things. The investigating unit took action because of the risk to pupils and the environment.

According to the media reports, which state that the principal accepted money in exchanged for the use of school property as dumping grounds, were not adequately investigated by media outlets. The statement confirms that the current SGB investigated the claims and has not found evidence that support the claims.

“The SGB consulted the school auditior and the WCED auditing, which reported that it had conducted its own investigations, and received the report that the auditor statements at the time is correct and nothing untoward regarding this issue can be reported. They are satisfied that the audits was good and withhold its integrity,” a member of SGB told a media briefing.

The statement read adds that under Hendricks leadership the financial records of the school has remained transparent and meticulously managed.
While the land is officially part of the erf of the school, the statement confirmed that the SGB took the decision to lease part of the property, which did contradict the South Africa Schools Act.

“The SGB took the decision to lease [the piece of property as a form of income for the school and instructed him to execute their instruction. It is therefore concluded that Mr. Hendricks cannot be held responsible for leasing the land, but the school governing council.”

The statement further asserts that with regards to claims of dumping, the SGB nor Hendricks did not grant permission for dumping, but was instead granted by the company that leased the property.

Speaking to VOC News, Hendricks attorney Igsaan Higgins explained that the meeting was called in order to provide clarity on the matter in response to negative press and what he describes as “one sided reporting”.

“We will see what type of reports the media writes. We hope it will be balanced and it won’t prejudice the school in any way,” he said.

He said that he has requested an early trial date in order close the matter speedily.

While Hendricks is unable to comment as the case is sub-judice, he says that he is that he is confident that the truth will prevail.

“The school has a lot of history, it is not about myself (Nadeem Hendricks), at the end of the day I am lesser important than the history.” VOC