EFFORTS to clean up the education system in Mpumalanga are paying off, as educators who do nothing other than slack off are being called to account.
The most recent individual to be affected by this no-nonsense action is Principal G Madonsela from Ncakini Secondary school in Nelspruit.
Department of Education representative Peter Maminza says Madonsela has only been at school for 18 days this year, which is a ”gross violation of the learners’ constitutional rights to education”, says Maminza. He adds that the situation at the school has been chaotic as a result of the lack of leadership: last year, the administration block of Ncakini Secondary was burnt down. Although police investigations are ongoing, Maminza believes ”learners disgruntled because of the problem with the principal” were responsible for the arson.
Madonsela has been suspended without pay while disciplinary measures are instituted against him. The case is expected to be concluded within two months.
Maminza adds that the department is ”looking to go for the jugular”, and rid itself of ”terrible elements” in the system. The department has been busy with an information-gathering exercise in all its schools which has revealed ”that some guys have gone awol [from school] for over 300 days”, says Maminza. At least three other principals are currently being closely watched and may soon have to face the consequences of their inaction.
— The Teacher/Mail & Guardian, July 26, 2000.
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