Director unavailable - REO

MANZINI – The Manzini REO, Sizwe Kunene, told parents that his office had tried unsuccessfully to contact Phumelele Director Sabelo Mavuso to address the concerns raised.

Kunene said a parent had informed his office of the situation, prompting his office to attempt to contact Mavuso. “We have tried to call Mavuso on his mobile phone but he did not answer, let alone responded to the missed calls,” Kunene said. He elaborated that they were hoping to get the director to explain what actually transpired, and for him to address the parents. The REO gathered from parents that their children were currently idling at home.

He expressed sympathy with the parents for the predicament they were in, adding that it affected their mental and emotional wellbeing. The REO said although the school was private, the mandate of government was to ensure the wellbeing of learners, who, in this case, were most vulnerable. Kunene stated that the office would continue to try to reach the director before approaching the Examinations Council of Eswatini, to seek a resolution.

Comment

The director could not be reached for comment at the time of compiling this report. A questionnaire was sent to him asking for his reaction to the recent parents meeting at the Manzini REO. He did not reply. Meanwhile, the Manzini REO promised to return with feedback from parents after a week, to address the concerns raised by parents.

He also promised to meet with relevant parties to discuss the matter further.

Kunene assured parents after the latter had made their submissions at his office last week. Kunene said his office would engage the Exams Council of Eswatini (ECESWA) and the Ministry of Education and Training to discuss the matter further. The REO said it was only reasonable to gather all their facts and approach the relevant parties and then provide updates to parents within a week.