School without head since 2013

JONGILIZWE Senior Secondary School in Tsolo has been without a permanent principal since 2013.

Frustrated teachers at the troubled school claimed that interviews last year had found a suitable candidate, but the appointment was allegedly vetoed by a senior education district official.

This was denied by the department.

Without a principal, the school is battling to operate normally.

Teachers, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation, claim interference from Qumbu education department district director Nomthandazo Dyodo had hampered the appointment process.

“We were the last to implement the school nutrition programme in 2014 because there was no principal to authorise things. Cooks were only employed very late,” said a teacher.

They alleged Dyodo had intervened after a candidate was appointed last year, claiming there were flaws in the interview process.

“She [Dyodo] could not tell us what those flaws were,” said one teacher.

It was further alleged that Dyodo’s preferred candidate had been among those vying for the position but lost out.

Dyodo refused to comment on the allegations when contacted by the Dispatch, but said the principal post had been advertised.

“All I know is that the post has been advertised in the bulletin,” she said.

A teacher said the matter had divided the school into two camps – one in favour of Dyodo’s preferred candidate and another which preferred the original candidate. “The sad thing is that pupils are caught in the crossfire in all of this,” she said.

Eastern Cape provincial education spokesman Loyiso Pulumani criticised “reckless” individuals trying to undermine Dyodo’s authority.

He confirmed the post had been readvertised and an independent panel selected by the provincial labour section would be responsible for conducting interviews.

“It is blatantly untrue that a candidate had been confirmed and was vetoed by the district director.

“The district director is compelled by law to ensure that due process is followed and that the best deserving candidate is ultimately selected,” he said. —