The investigation into the misappropriation of funds meant for the school’s feeding scheme by the principal, Simanga Ntola, comes after dissension developed between parents and school management earlier this month, with parents protesting at the school and police being called in to monitor the situation. According to the Free State Education Department’s spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, the investigation is still at a delicate stage and he cannot elaborate further on any additional details. A parent at the school, who did not want to be named, said that on September 21st the School Governing Board (SGB) held a meeting with parents, dismissing allegations that Ntola had also interacted inappropriately with one of the staffers at the school. The allegations pertaining to the misuse of funds were not addressed at this particular meeting.

Ndaba says there are various allegations made against the principal. They include maladministration, misappropriation of funds and dereliction of duty by the principal, Ntola. The department is investigating all the allegations and will alert the public in due course regarding the outcome of the investigation. Ndaba says, however, that at the moment the situation at the school has normalised and classes are in session.

According to a parent at the school, the above-mentioned staffer who was accused of interacting inappropriately with Ntola was dismissed after an SGB meeting that took place earlier in the month.

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