Marsha Bothma|Published
Families who sacrificed money from social grants, pension and wages to buy their children's matric jackets are still waiting for refunds after approximately R40 000 was paid to a supplier who failed to deliver.
Police are investigating a fraud case involving Cedar High School, while the school is seeking legal advice to recover the money. The supplier reportedly maintains that the manufacturer is responsible for repayment, but no refund date has been confirmed.
Families still waiting for refunds
Danii Kempshall, a Grade 12 grade head at the Mitchells Plain school, said parents were asked to pay for the jackets, with some making deposits over several months. While the school has opted not to disclose the total amount collected, Plainsman is aware of the cost of the jackets.
Kempshall said the money was collected from families who had made significant sacrifices to ensure their children could participate in their final year celebrations, with some contributing from SASSA grants, pensions, disability grants and wages.
“That money has still not been returned to our children,” she said.
According to Kempshall, the school has repeatedly attempted to resolve the matter with the supplier, but has yet to receive a refund or a firm repayment date.
Supplier blames manufacturer for missing money
She said the supplier had maintained that the manufacturer was responsible for returning the money. However, the school had received no direct communication from the manufacturer, written confirmation of the arrangement or proof that a payment was being processed.
Kempshall said the school had been referred between the parties while trying to obtain updates on the outstanding funds.
The delays have added pressure to the school's efforts to manage its matric arrangements, while families continue to wait for their money to be returned.
Police investigate as WCED addressed accountability
Mitchells Plain police acting sub-district commissioner Brigadier Brian Muller confirmed that a case had been opened, "and is still under investigation."
Kempshall said the school was seeking legal advice on the steps available to recover the outstanding funds and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Millicent Merton confirmed that the department was aware of the matter and said it was being investigated by police.
Merton said schools were expected to follow sound procurement and financial management practices when collecting and administering money for pupil activities. These included checking suppliers, keeping proper records and ensuring clear contractual arrangements.
She said the department provided schools with guidance and training on financial management, internal controls, risk management and governance through its district offices.
As the matter involved a contractual arrangement with an external service provider, Merton said recovery primarily depended on the legal and criminal processes available to the parties involved.
“The WCED supports the school in following the appropriate legal channels to seek accountability and recovery of the outstanding funds,” she said.
The department can also advise the school on financial management and risk controls and monitor whether the matter is handled transparently and in the best interests of affected pupils, Merton said.