Delmas – Botleng community members and parents gathered on 15 October 2025, at Botleng Secondary School to raise concerns over dismal failure by the school governing body (SGB) to discharge their duties and allegations of incompetence and financial mismanagement.
Although the gathering was peaceful, it reflected deep-rooted discontent among parents who can no longer “watch the school collapse under their watch.” The concerns range from infrastructure decay to allegations of maladministration and the questionable legitimacy of the current SGB.
Acting Circuit Manager Sunnyboy Moses Msiza reaffirmed his commitment to working hand-in-hand with the school community to bring meaningful change.
“I pledge to collaborate with parents to drive school improvement. I believe in transparent accountability, recognising that the school governing body shares responsibility for the school’s performance. Together, we’ll work to ensure the school excels and provides a quality education for all students,” Msiza said.
Msiza’s remarks came amid growing calls from parents for the SGB to be disbanded, accusing it of neglecting duties and failing to uphold the standards required by the Department of Education and the South African Schools Act.
This call to dissolve the SGB is reflected in a letter dated 15 October 2025 to the Victor Khanye Sub-District Municipality’s Circuit Office. The letter cites multiple violations, procedural flaws and a complete breakdown in trust between the SGB and the parents.
“We, the parents of Botleng Secondary School, hereby request that the Circuit Office disband the current School Governing Body (SGB) of our school, effective immediately,” reads an excerpt of the letter. “Due to various concerns and allegations of mismanagement, we have lost confidence in the SGB’s ability to effectively govern and manage the school’s affairs.”
The parents further allege that the SGB failed to undergo thorough vetting and background checks, as required by policy, to ensure that no member with a history of criminal activity involving minors holds office.
“As parents, we find these omissions to be serious and unacceptable,” the letter continues. “The safety and well-being of our children are our top priority and we cannot trust an SGB that has not followed due process in its formation.”
Community members painted a grim picture of the school’s current state. Florah Nhlanhla Sitoe, a community member said, “The infrastructure is collapsing. Toilets are blocked, faeces and urine cover the floors. Our children are forced to use toilets from neighbouring households. This has been happening since 2019. The classrooms have broken windows and the schoolyard is dirty.”
Parents also allege that the SGB has been bypassing transparent procurement processes, with tenders allegedly awarded to members or associates of the governing body.
Sitoe added: “For example, the razor fence reportedly cost around R82,000, yet the school remains unsafe and neglected.”
