DIFFERENCES between the school governing body and school management are leading to instability at Cosmo City Secondary School in northern Johannesburg.
The SGB and principal have been at loggerheads for more than two years, which led to disruption of classes this week.
SGB chairperson Shumani Thomoli accuses principal, Welheminah Matsebatlela of mismanaging school funds and not hiring qualified teachers.
"Last year during the matric dance we asked learners to contribute R220 for the venue and transport.
"We were shocked when the principal later made out an invoice of R30800 for the venue. What happened to the money the learners contributed? We refused to sign for the money," Thomoli said.
He alleges she buys groceries for her family and then claims the money from the school. The pupils, led by the Congress of South African Students (Cosas) and the local ANC Youth League, have been disrupting classes since last week, demanding that Matsebatlela be removed.
The department has instituted a forensic investigation into the school's finances and the report is expected to be finalised this month.
Yesterday the pupils disrupted classes and vowed not to return until the principal was fired. It prompted provincial department representatives to go to the school to meet the pupils.
The pupils have an ally in Thomoli, who accuses Matsebatlela of corruption.
Cosas regional secretary Kenneth Mbatha said: "We want the principal to leave with immediate effect. We are waiting for the forensic report but we know she is guilty.
"How is it possible that from January to August learners do not have textbooks? The department is protecting her while she is failing the children."
National Association of SGBs general secretary Matakanye Matakanye has threatened that they will stop doing their duties.
Gauteng education spokesperson Charles Phahlane has called for calm.
"Learning and teaching proceeded well this week and we urge learners to remain focused on their studies. "
Pupils: fire our principal
DIFFERENCES between the school governing body and school management are leading to instability at Cosmo City Secondary School in northern Johannesburg.
The SGB and principal have been at loggerheads for more than two years, which led to disruption of classes this week.
SGB chairperson Shumani Thomoli accuses principal, Welheminah Matsebatlela of mismanaging school funds and not hiring qualified teachers.
"Last year during the matric dance we asked learners to contribute R220 for the venue and transport.
"We were shocked when the principal later made out an invoice of R30800 for the venue. What happened to the money the learners contributed? We refused to sign for the money," Thomoli said.
He alleges she buys groceries for her family and then claims the money from the school. The pupils, led by the Congress of South African Students (Cosas) and the local ANC Youth League, have been disrupting classes since last week, demanding that Matsebatlela be removed.
The department has instituted a forensic investigation into the school's finances and the report is expected to be finalised this month.
Yesterday the pupils disrupted classes and vowed not to return until the principal was fired. It prompted provincial department representatives to go to the school to meet the pupils.
The pupils have an ally in Thomoli, who accuses Matsebatlela of corruption.
Cosas regional secretary Kenneth Mbatha said: "We want the principal to leave with immediate effect. We are waiting for the forensic report but we know she is guilty.
"How is it possible that from January to August learners do not have textbooks? The department is protecting her while she is failing the children."
National Association of SGBs general secretary Matakanye Matakanye has threatened that they will stop doing their duties.
Gauteng education spokesperson Charles Phahlane has called for calm.
"Learning and teaching proceeded well this week and we urge learners to remain focused on their studies. "
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