POWERS OF THE POTCHEFSTROOM BOYS SGB WITHDRAWN

In an effort to bring stability at Potchefstroom Boys High school after teaching and learning were compromised the North West Department of Education withdrew powers of the School Governing Body and former Acting Principal on Tuesday, 16 March 2021.

This follows after several investigations conducted at the school wherein glaring irregularities were uncovered and they continuously disturbed the smooth running of the school, namely: – continued maladministration, lack of proper school governance, activities that compromises the smooth running of the school in the interest of the learners, continued internal conflicts with the school Principal, continued disruption of teaching and learning at the school as seen on videos doing rounds on social media, including unbecoming behaviour of parents interfering in the smooth school running affairs, failure to adhere to the expected fiduciary obligations and responsibilities and many more.

The North West Department of Education emphasized that the interest and rights of learners should be protected at all times.

“In the best interest and the rights of the learners included with the requirements for good governance, urgent intervention to avoid the irreparable harm to the financial and non-financial status of the school and non-compliance is hereby necessary. The rights of the learners need to be protected by providing an effective and efficient management of the school affairs”, said North West Department of Education

In terms of Section 22 of the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996, it requires that, without any delay necessitates the withdrawal of all powers and functions of the SGB with immediate effect, and to place the school under an Administration and/or to replace the School Principal as circumstances may permit.

This process will allow the department to conduct intensive investigations to get to the bottom of the disruptions of the school, and those found in the wrong side of the law, legal action shall be considered urgently to protect the learners, the other employees and property of the school.

We want to further condemn, the attitude of self entitlement by some members of the SGB who in many instances display non- cooperation and manipulation of the school system. The SGB members must understand that they are offering free service and its not about their interest in school but about learners.

For more information please contact:
Elias Malindi
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 072 1154 855/ 072 892 8399