Parents close Limpopo school demanding dismissal of four teachers
Teachers accused of sitting in the staff room instead of being in class
Parents of learners at Tshikota Seconday School in Limpopo shut down the school on Tuesday calling for the firing of four teachers whom they accuse of not teaching their children. They also accused the school of failing to give learners reports for the last term.
The school was re-opened on Wednesday.
Parents say the teachers sit in the staff room and only visit classes to give tests.
When Groundup visited the school the street leading to the entrance was blocked by branches, stones and burnt tyres. The entrance to the school premises was also closed.
Some learners had gathered in one classroom to support the parents’ demand.
Parents who spoke to Groundup complained about History, Geography, Maths and Life Science teachers.
“We have not received our children’s last term reports. This kind of thing should not be be allowed at our school,” said Mabobo Patrick Ndwamato, chairperson of the School Governing Board.
According to Ndwamato the four teachers failed to submit the subject marks for moderation, resulting in the school not preparing reports for the last term.
“We decided to close the school until the teachers are replaced. We do not want to see those subject teachers at our school again,” said Ndwamato.
Mpi Tshilongamulendzhe, whose child is in grade 8, said: “My child told me some of the teachers do not come for lessons. They only come and give them tests. These teachers should be fired immediately.”
Another parent, Stella Magesa, whose child is in grade 10, said last year parents had complained to the education authorities and had been told the replacement of the teachers would be a long process. “Today we decided we should not wait. We decided to close the school until the matter is resolved.”
A grade 10 learner who was supporting the parents said: ”Most of the time we call these subject teachers but they do not come for the lessons. They will be in the staff room.”
The SGB held a meeting with the Education Sector Manager on Tuesday and agreed that the concerned teachers report to the manager while the matter is being looked into.
After the chairperson of the SGB addressed the parents and learners, teachers, except for the four concerned, were allowed into the school yard.
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