NONTOBEKO MTSHALI
PARENTS of pupils at Fons Luminis Secondary School in Diepkloof took matters into their own hands yesterday when they marched into the school and demanded that the principal, Lempe Motumi, be physically removed from his office.
Teaching was disrupted at the school earlier this week when teachers downed tools, calling for the principal to be dismissed.
Motumi is facing charges of fraud and is being investigated by the police and the Gauteng Department of Education.
Zodwa Rannuadi, who has a Grade 8 child at the school, said having Motumi at the school while investigations were pending against him did not make sense.
“He confessed to spending R22 000 from the school’s account. Why is he still here? He should be suspended while the investigation is pending.”
Rannuadi, who was among a throng of parents who were at the school yesterday morning, said parents were there to fight for their children’s rights.
“The school can’t function properly while he’s still there. Sometimes teachers even run out of chalk because there are no resources at all… The school’s chequebook was confiscated and they can’t do anything,” she said.
Rannuadi said children often returned home late because they had to stay behind and do their homework at school. They can’t take their school work home or study from home because they have to share textbooks.
Nombulelo Krweca, whose child is in Grade 11, also said Motumi must go.
Motumi was escorted off the premises on Wednesday morning after it was agreed that he had to leave to ensure stability. Teaching has since resumed.
Gauteng Department of Education spokesman Charles Phahlane said Motumi had been placed on a precautionary transfer while the department finalises its probe of him. He will report to the district office.
Phahlane said the department would meet the parents and teachers on Monday.