Pay back the money

Ga-Masemola

 

Unhappy parents in Thabampshe Primary School took to the street on Thursday demanding the school principal Mmashemane Mapheto, who also claimed to be a pastor to pay back the money.

Fiery guardians were assembled outside school premises chanting ‘Pay Back The Money’ and were also calling the Department of Education to force Mapheto to step down as principal, due to various allegations labelled against her.

Mapheto was accused of forcing learners to pay a sum of money for farewell function during lockdown restrictions and forcing every single learner to buy a pack of Twin Saver tissues every month.

Parents said they asked why the school was having a function when gatherings were prohibited but their plea has since fallen into deaf ears.

According to concerned parents Mapheto insisted on hosting the function and it is believed she only bought 2kg frozen chicken braai pack and took school feeding scheme as meal of the day.

Therefore, guardians felt humiliated and disrespected and they now demand their money back.

Back in 2020, Mapheto opened a case of intimidation at Masemola police station against some of the community leaders who wanted to hold her accountable.

They appeared before Nebo Magistrate court and they were told there is enough evidence on their case.

“Chaos erupted when Mapheto locked herself in her office. She didn’t want to talk to the community leaders and parents. We wanted to hold her accountable and interrogate her about why on earth should she host farewell function without our consent,” said concerned parent, Emma Sefoka

Emma said Mapheto arguably displayed arrogant attitude.

“She should come with her children and abuse them in this school not ours,” she said

Another straight talker parent, Mampholodi Kgatuke said the principal abused and misused her power.

“We want our money back and we also want our tissues which she uses to convince her congregants,” she said.

Mampholodi said the Department must appoint a new principal as the current one acted irresponsible.

“Sometimes she was calling us for sit up meeting but she wouldn’t allow us to express our views. It’s like she held us hostage which is nonsense,” she alluded.

 

“We gave the SGB a letter requesting an urgent meeting and she scrapped it and asked if their men were aware that they are requesting a meeting over school issues. You can hear how arrogant she is,” said Mampholodi.

A pensioner, Moshe Sefoka implored members of the community to come together to defeat Mapheto as he called her “anarchy”.

Another vibrant leader, Edwin Mokalapa said he was part of the meeting because concerned issues affect the community he lives in.

“No money, no school. We saw tissue in two classrooms and she would demand learners to bring more, we had an informer in her church, who told us that she gives them tissues after church service,” Edwin alleged.

Residents have since then written to the district manager, the district and the provincial seeking for help but nothing has materialised yet.

They also informed the Royal family and the family wished that their grievances be resolved before schools open on February 15.

Thapelo Motseo

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