SGB levels misconduct charges against Lerajane School Principal

MOHLALETSE

The School Governing Body (SGB) at Lerajane Primary School in Mohlaletse Village outside Burgersfort accuses the principal, Albert Tlaka, of serious misconduct, citing a range of allegations that include procurement irregularities, theft, and nepotism.

According to the SGB, Tlaka has been involved in several incidents of misconduct, including buying school chairs, stationery, cleaning materials, and trophies without the approval or agreement of the SGB.

He is also alleged to have unlawfully acquired the services of a maintenance company to procure Grade R playing equipment without following proper procurement or supply chain processes.

One of the most serious allegations is that food meant for learners was delivered to Tlaka’s home, which is against Departmental of Education policy and has angered many parents.

The SGB has also accused Tlaka of making fraudulent financial claims to the circuit manager, which they say were fortunately declined.

Following the alleged irregularities, parents of learners at the school have expressed their frustration and disappointment with Tlaka’s conduct.

In a meeting held on 14 December 2021, parents decided to evict Tlaka from the school due to his alleged misconduct.

“Despite numerous letters and meetings with the Mohlaletse Circuit Manager and District Director, no action has been taken against the principal,” said one of SGB members who did not want to be named.

She added that the SGB has expressed frustration and disappointment with the lack of response from the department.

“The dispute between the SGB and Principal Tlaka has had a negative impact on the learners, with the circuit refusing to sign the schedules for the first and second quarters, resulting in learners not receiving reports,” informed the SGB member.

She indicated that the SGB is calling for the department to intervene and take disciplinary action against Tlaka.

“We are also appealing for an investigation into the allegations of misconduct and for the department to ensure the smooth running of the school without compromising the future of the learners,” she said.

In a related matter, community members who applied for recent assistant teaching posts at the same school have alleged that their contracts were unlawfully terminated just five days after they were appointed.

“We were replaced by candidates who are relatives to a teacher and an SGB member,” said one of the assistant teachers’ post applicant whose contract was terminated.

They claim that they were told their contracts were invalid and were offered R1500-00 as a bribe to agree to receive letters stating that their contracts were terminated lawfully.

Instead of agreeing on the bribe, they say they are demanding R24 000 as per the period of their contract, which lapses in November 2025.

Limpopo Department of Education Spokesperson, Mosebjadi Kgaffe, said the department hasn’t received any complaints from Lerajane SGB.

However, the SGB insists that the issues were reported to the office of the MEC for Education in Polokwane.