Frustrated parents at the Pinelands Primary school are demanding that the principal and senior management be removed, amid allegations of maladministration at the school. They have urged the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to immediately publish a report, which was meant to probe the allegations.

The School Governing Body (SGB), as well as parents gathered outside the school on Thursday morning to protest against the alleged maladministration.

One of the parents, Sharief Allie said in April they had a meeting where they as the SGB raised their concerns regarding the alleged mismanagement of funds.

“Six months since our meeting, nothing has changed and it causes great concern to parents as we are approaching the end of the academic year and no changes have been made,” Allie told VOC Breakfast Beat.

SGB Chairperson, Kevin Oliver said they were never given adequate resources to fulfil their duties.

He added that since the SGB was elected, it was not given the proper tools to work with the South African school Act and policies and that they had to source those themselves.

“I started questioning the principal and he would reply by saying ‘I can hear you are questioning my integrity’,” Oliver states.

He also claimed that he found discrepancies that led him to share his findings with parents who informed the WCED, which subsequently instigated the investigation.

“What’s happening is sad. This is a wonderful school with the best educators and results speak for themselves, Oliver noted.

Allie added that with any corruption allegations, it taints the brand of the school. Concerns around mismanagement have caused parents to worry about whether or not their child is in fact receiving a proper education and if a sustainable plan for the school to more forward has been developed.

Another parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said Pinelands Primary is a very good school, but in recent years the quality of schooling has decreased and so has the extra mural activities. She claimed teachers and school leaders are being victimized.

The Provincial Education Department is currently investigating financial irregularities. VOC approached the department, but were told no comment could be provided until the report is completed. The school also declined a response. VOC