ZWELETHEMBA – Vusiszwe Senior Secondary School has come under scrutiny due to ongoing governance and academic performance challenges. Acting principal Paballo Maseng’s leadership has been called into question amid criticisms and concerns raised by parents and the School Governing Body (SGB).
On 8 March Maseng was officially called out by the SGB, leading to his removal from the acting principal position.
This action followed the submission of a memorandum to Noel Petersen, Director of Education and the Cape Winelands District, outlining concerns about Maseng’s leadership and management practices.
The SGB’s concerns included allegations of misappropriation of school funds, failure to implement codes of conduct for learners and teachers, lack of transparency and honesty, and neglect in addressing issues such as late coming of learners and untidiness of school premises.
“Not only am I an SGB member, but I have two kids here” said SGB treasurer Victor Rampeng. “Maseng must vacate that office.”
In response to the parents and SGB’s demands, director Noel Petersen announced Maseng’s removal from the school pending further investigations.
“We still need to clarify the issues the SGB has submitted” said the Western Cape Education Department. “I can say more than five investigations have been opened, and we cannot provide a time frame, but we will be using this next period going forward until investigations are concluded.
“District officials visited the school and gave community members the assurance that the district will investigate the concerns raised by them as a matter of urgency.
“Stakeholders await the outcome of the investigations, with a focus on restoring trust and ensuring the delivery of quality education to the learners.”
