Rift between school head and teachers resolved

 

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Mmoloki Raletobane says differences between Phaphane Primary School teachers and headmaster, Collen Moleele have been successfully resolved.

Frustrated staff members at the Mochudi school recently accused Moleele of running the institution as a ‘one-man show.’

"I can assure you that we have attended to the matter, teacher complaints were noted and Moleele responded on the grievances. He has vowed to do better going forward," Raletobane said.

A fortnight ago, Phaphane School turned chaotic leading to police intervention when teacher union representatives arrived at the school to speak to their members about their concerns.

What was supposed to be a meeting to discuss burning issues ended in the police arresting and detaining two teachers.

The headmaster was not pleased with union members coming to his school to convene a meeting without seeking permission first, he ended up calling the police on them.

This week, The Midweek Sun learnt that the grievances of employees, listed in a letter to the regional director dated 31st March 2023, include their conviction that the school head is abusing his power because he gives instructions to any member of staff irrespective of whether the orders are in line with the employee’s job description or not.

They also said that Moleele does not consult anyone. He makes decisions alone and that nothing gets done at the school when he is not in.

“The school head chooses certain saving-grams and directives to be forwarded to us and some he will ensure that we do not have access to them irrespective of how important they might be.

“We are of the view that members of staff are being victimised, threatened and not recommended for progression and promotions. Those who are recommended are his close allies or inner circle. We are of the view that PTA funds might have been embezzled or improperly used.

“What leads to this suspicion is that we have long requested for the financial statement of the PTA fund. Each time we request for that the school head will come up with tactics or tricks that ensure that he does not meet the members of staff.”

BOSETU Secretary General Tobokani Rari confirmed knowing about the matter.

“We had sent union representatives there because the affected were complaining that they long wrote a letter to Kgatleng District Regional Education Director, Mothusi James but he had not responded to their grievances.

What then transpired was a pure act of intimidation which we are not happy with. In fact, I will be writing letters to the Commissioner of Police and that of labour airing our displeasure,” Rari said.

He went on to note that there was a meeting with the director at the school last week Thursday.

“I am not sure what was discussed but he met teachers to hear them out.”

Raletobane explained that it was within the rights of teachers to complain and what they are picking is that they took long to respond to the complaints that were raised by teachers.

However, they had not ignored the letter that was written to the director back in March.

"After receiving their letter the director went to the school to speak to the headmaster and sometime in May he responded on the matter.

“It is unfortunate that after his response, the director was not quick to get back to teachers but he was making plans to meet them so that the matter could be put to rest," he said.