The Limpopo education department has in the past three months paid almost R1.4-million in salaries to 23 teachers who are no longer performing their duties.
The 23 teachers are attached to Ntji Mothapo Primary School in GaMothapo near Mankweng.
The teachers, who are also members of the SA Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu), refused to teach after the installation of CCTV cameras inside classrooms.
They were subsequently frog-marched out of the school by parents who accused them of undermining their work.
According to a reliable source in the provincial department, teachers on average earn around R20000 per month.
From that sum, it can be deduced that the 23 teachers have together earned R460000, which brings the total to R1.38-million over three months.
Department spokesman Naledzani Rasila played down the matter when contacted yesterday and said the teachers were willing to go back to the school but parents barred them from entering the premises.
"Because the teachers were not allowed entry into the school, they have been reporting at our circuit offices in Mankweng. We have a responsibility to pay them as per the contract we have with them," said Rasila.
He said they had since sent officials to consult with the parents.
"As the department we are committed to return the situation at Ntji Mothapo Primary School back to normal for the sake of the pupils," said Rasila, adding that a meeting would be held on Monday to get feedback from officials.
"We are doing whatever it takes for the benefit of the pupils because we want to put them first," he said.
Sadtu provincial secretary Matome Raphasha said they were worried that time had run out for the pupils.
"But while our members have indicated willingness to return to work, their safety must also be taken into consideration because parents are making it difficult for them," he said.
Congress of South African Students provincial chairwoman Ayanda Mokwana said the cameras at the school were a good idea.
"We don't know what those teachers are hiding by refusing to teach under those cameras but the idea of installing them in classrooms was a good one," she said.
Enos Malejane, a member of the school's governing body, said yesterday they wanted nothing to do with the evicted teachers.
"The department must provide the school with new teachers. Period."
The troubled school has 36 teachers in total.
frankm@sowetan.co.za
Teachers still paid for nothing
The Limpopo education department has in the past three months paid almost R1.4-million in salaries to 23 teachers who are no longer performing their duties.
The 23 teachers are attached to Ntji Mothapo Primary School in GaMothapo near Mankweng.
The teachers, who are also members of the SA Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu), refused to teach after the installation of CCTV cameras inside classrooms.
They were subsequently frog-marched out of the school by parents who accused them of undermining their work.
According to a reliable source in the provincial department, teachers on average earn around R20000 per month.
From that sum, it can be deduced that the 23 teachers have together earned R460000, which brings the total to R1.38-million over three months.
Department spokesman Naledzani Rasila played down the matter when contacted yesterday and said the teachers were willing to go back to the school but parents barred them from entering the premises.
"Because the teachers were not allowed entry into the school, they have been reporting at our circuit offices in Mankweng. We have a responsibility to pay them as per the contract we have with them," said Rasila.
He said they had since sent officials to consult with the parents.
"As the department we are committed to return the situation at Ntji Mothapo Primary School back to normal for the sake of the pupils," said Rasila, adding that a meeting would be held on Monday to get feedback from officials.
"We are doing whatever it takes for the benefit of the pupils because we want to put them first," he said.
Sadtu provincial secretary Matome Raphasha said they were worried that time had run out for the pupils.
"But while our members have indicated willingness to return to work, their safety must also be taken into consideration because parents are making it difficult for them," he said.
Congress of South African Students provincial chairwoman Ayanda Mokwana said the cameras at the school were a good idea.
"We don't know what those teachers are hiding by refusing to teach under those cameras but the idea of installing them in classrooms was a good one," she said.
Enos Malejane, a member of the school's governing body, said yesterday they wanted nothing to do with the evicted teachers.
"The department must provide the school with new teachers. Period."
The troubled school has 36 teachers in total.
frankm@sowetan.co.za
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