A school principal and a circuit manager within the Tshing Circuit in Ventersdorp, North West, have been suspended by the Department of Education on allegations of soliciting or facilitating monies in exchange for influence in the recruitment process.

The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, announced their suspension on Wednesday and served them with precautionary suspension letters, pending a thorough investigation into the allegations of mismanagement of the departmental recruitment process within the Tshing Circuit, based in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.

MEC Motsumi said the department takes the allegations of misconduct seriously.

‘An acting principal has been appointed to maintain stability and leadership while the investigation unfolds’

"We are committed to ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process that upholds the highest ethical standards, as such independent investigations into these allegations have commenced,” said Motsumi.

According to the departmental spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane, these allegations were brought to the attention of MEC Motsumi by the media.

Motsumi said the department will ensure a swift and thorough investigation to determine the veracity of these claims and, in the meantime, steps have been taken to ensure minimal disruption of learning and teaching at the affected school.

Allegations include soliciting or facilitating monies in exchange for influence in the recruitment process.

Motsumi said: “An acting principal has been appointed to maintain stability and leadership while the investigation unfolds, and also, I wish to protect the whistleblower to this effect.”

Meanwhile, Molokwane said the department would provide further updates on the progress of the investigations as information becomes available.

The department emphasised it remains committed to providing quality education to all Dr Kenneth Kaunda District learners.

OFM News/Joba Matsheng cg