PUPILS of Filadelfia Special School in Soshanguve were up in
arms on Tuesday morning, 1 June. This after they were left without eating from
Friday.
According to the information received, the kitchen at the school was locked after the service provider was not paid.
After the incident, the pupils told the principal to vacate his position as they claim he is not fit to manage the school.
On Tuesday morning, the pupils accompanied by some parents gathered outside the premises of the school to voice out their concerns as they burned tyres and held up placards swearing at the principal.
A parent, who asked not to be named, said the school has been facing a lot of problems for a while now.
“Too much corruption is going on at this school. The SGB operates in a way that we don’t understand. We were shocked as parents when we heard that our children were starving because the service provider was not paid on time. This is unacceptable. We all know these children are disabled and need proper care and good nutrition on a daily basis,” said the parent.
An SGB member, who agreed to speak on condition of anonymity, also said what the pupils were fighting for was not related to the kitchen being closed.
“Yes, the service provider was not paid on time but everything was sorted. Just like anyone, we were surprised to hear them saying they want the principal to go. The strike this morning started at 4am. They claimed that the principal is corrupt. They even stabbed his car wheels and smashed the windows,” said the member.
Daily Sun tried to get hold of the principal but his phone rang unanswered.
Spokesman for the department of basic education, Steve Mabona, said they were aware of the unrest at the school.
“Our officials visited the school responding to information that children did not have meals. We can confirm that indeed the service provider did not cook and cited outstanding payments from the school. Subsequently the school managed to pay the service provider. A meeting with the Representative Council of Learners and SGB was held, wherein RCL raised their issues among others. It was agreed that all issues will be finalised on Monday. The meeting made resolutions to repair geysers and improve quality of food. The impasse between pupils and the school management was resolved, and pupils will be back in class o Wednesday.
“Indeed, this incident is unfortunate and regrettable. We are monitoring the situation closely. Our pupils deserve better, especially pupils with special needs,” said Mabona.