Community demands removal of 'corrupt' principal

Community members and parents are demanding the removal of a KwaZulu-Natal school principal who has been accused of making schoolgirls pregnant.

A group of people, including ward councillors, marched to the school in Ndwedwe yesterday, where they handed a memorandum to deputy education circuit manager CM Madikizela, demanding the principal's immediate removal.

The principal was not at the school premises. Madikizela said he was attending a meeting in KwaDukuza.

The memorandum claims the principal employs unqualified teachers and girlfriends at the school, has allegedly misused school funds and has had sexual relations with schoolgirls, resulting in two pregnancies.

Community members say they are also concerned about the high matric failure rate.

"The few pupils who passed matric did not achieve good symbols. The appearance of the school shows signs that the funds have not been used properly. The parents have never received a detailed report of financial expenditure," said the memorandum.

Thobile Mkhize, a community member, said she was ashamed that the principal was "destroying the children's future".

"I have younger sisters who will be coming to the school soon. This could happen to them. I don't feel safe for them if this is what is happening," said Mkhize.

ANC ward secretary Vusumuzi Mzobe said the principal was failing the community.

"We have sent letters to the district office and MEC for education calling for his removal. He is a corrupt employee."

Ward councillor Mshinishwa Ngidi said he received a call recently from a parent who claimed the principal had made her daughter pregnant.

"We want the department to take action within seven days and remove him," said Ngidi.

However, one grade 10 pupil believes the principal is innocent.

"He is like my father. He did not rape the girls. They were in a relationship and the girls agreed to sleep with him. It is illegal, but what is done is done," she said.