DELMAS – Police had to escort the newly appointed principal of Mdumiseni Primary School in Delmas, under the Victor Khanye Local Municipality, after parents blocked his entry into the premises on April 15.
The commotion arose following the Department of Education’s decision to appoint a new principal, while parents had their own preferred candidate.
They voiced their support for Sophie Mahamba, who had been acting in the position for three years until the new appointment was made.
“We believe Mahamba is better suited for the role,” said one of the parents.
According to the parents, both the School Governing Body and the Victor Khanye Circuit Manager were aware of their preferred choice. However, the department proceeded with the appointment of another candidate, sparking widespread dissatisfaction.
Jabulani Mahlangu, another parent, expressed concern, claiming the newly appointed principal had brought along a new team that had previously contributed to the decline of the school.
“But Mrs Mahamba made a huge difference—she turned the school around,” he said.
“We are happy with Mrs Mahamba,” echoed Nomasonto Masuku, another parent. “She’s done an excellent job since 2022, and we don’t see why she should be replaced.” The school previously made headlines in 2021 when parents opposed the reinstatement of the then principal, following confirmation from the department that he had pleaded guilty to stealing R15,000 from the R128,000 allocated for a school trip to Durban the previous year.
The parents’ determination to have their voices heard was clear as they physically prevented the new principal from accessing the school grounds.
Tensions remain high, and the atmosphere at the school continues to be volatile.
Efforts were made to obtain comment from the Department of Education, but no response was received by the time of publication.
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