Butshwana Primary School gate closed by protesters.
By: Boitumelo Makhapheetja
Butshwana Primary School in Ga-Sekororo was plunged into chaos on Tuesday and Wednesday morning as parents and the School Governing Body (SGB) took to the streets to protest the appointment of a new teacher.
The protesters, who locked pupils out of the school premises, alleged that the department had overstepped the SGB’s decision by appointing a candidate who was not their preferred choice.
According to members of the SGB and parents, the department’s decision was a clear disregard for the recruitment process, which had been followed to the letter. The protesters claimed that the appointed teacher had scored third in the interview process, behind two other candidates who had been recommended by the SGB.
The SGB and parents accused the school principal of appointing his relative, despite not having the power to do so. They alleged that the person who was supposed to be appointed had been volunteering at the school before the post was advertised and had been told that she did not meet the requirements.
The protest action, which has resulted in the school being closed, has been described as unprecedented and uncalled for by some members of the community.
They argue that the SGB and parents should have lodged a dispute with the district instead of resorting to protest action.
Burning tyres during a protest over the appointment of a new teacher at Butshwana primary school.