SGB threatens legal action over principal

THE governing body of Assegai Primary School in Wentworth has threatened legal action against the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education regarding the principal’s post.

They believe the process was flawed and reeked of corruption.

Last year, tensions rose at the school after Sharon Ndlovu was appointed as the school’s principal.

Residents were unhappy that the position was given to Ndlovu, despite Odette Abrahams-Field having held the post of deputy principal and later acting principal for the past several years.

The school governing body maintains that Ndlovu’s appointment was not based on merit as Abrahams-Field, the school’s current acting principal, is a better suited candidate.

Abrahams-Field has worked at the school for over 25 years.

Parents protested outside the school, eventually standing guard in a bid to prevent Ndlovu from entering the school premises.

In September, the department sought a court order against the SGB. In a turn of events, the SGB’s legal representative, Baron M Phillips, says he has been instructed to proceed with legal action, saying the SGB has a witness who is prepared to testify via affidavit on the matter.

“It has come to our attention that Mrs Abrahams-Field was recommended and approved for the appointment of principal at Assegai Primary School. However, due to unlawful influence, she was not appointed,” he said.

Phillips said Abrahams-Field was currently still acting principal at the school and Ndlovu had not officially signed her assumption of duty forms.

Department of Education spokesperson Kwazi Mthethwa said the department called upon residents and the SGB to work with them, instead of against them in this matter.

“We respect the rule of law and will act according to what the court decides. We call upon those who are using delay tactics to desist from this behaviour.

“We are looking forward to a successful school year. People need to work together and stop using schools as soft targets,” he said.