The School Governing Body (SGB) of Franklin D Roosevelt Primary School in Randburg is calling for the removal of its principal, citing unresolved governance concerns and dissatisfaction with the Gauteng Department of Education’s (GDE) handling of disciplinary proceedings against him.
The dispute has prompted the SGB to adopt a work-to-rule position and demand an urgent meeting with parents to explain the department’s decision to reinstate the principal following disciplinary action over an allegation involving a payment of approximately R5 000 linked to an employee’s contract renewal.
However, the department says its internal disciplinary process has been concluded, that the principal was sanctioned and that it has taken steps to address tensions between the school’s leadership and the SGB.
Onwabile Lubhelwana, spokesperson for Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile, said the department had investigated the R5 000 allegation and concluded its internal proceedings.
“The allegation relating to the demand for approximately R5 000 has been investigated, and the internal disciplinary process concluded, and the principal was sanctioned accordingly,” he said.
Lubhelwana said the department had not received formal complaints concerning allegations of selling posts or intimidation.
“Once reported, the department will determine the cause of action,” he said.
The SGB, however, maintains that several concerns about the school’s management remain unresolved.
In a letter shared with this publication, the governing body raised concerns about expenditure, school finances, staffing and the administration of school fee exemptions. It said it had lodged complaints with the department but remained dissatisfied with the response.
Among the issues raised was the construction of ramps, which the SGB alleged proceeded without departmental approval and despite instructions to suspend the work pending an investigation.
The SGB also questioned the alleged use of school funds to provide loans to employees and raised concerns about staff contract terminations and related settlement costs, which it estimated at approximately R500 000.
Further concerns related to the removal of a finance administrator appointed by the SGB and the handling of school fee exemption applications.
The governing body wants the department to provide investigation reports, explain its handling of the earlier disciplinary matter and investigate the outstanding complaints.
Staffing has also become a point of contention.
The SGB alleged that difficulties recruiting an Afrikaans teacher had affected classroom arrangements, including the combining of Grade 5 Afrikaans classes. It also accused the principal of obstructing recruitment by refusing to sign an advertisement for the post.
The department disputes claims that staffing problems have compromised teaching.
Lubhelwana said seven SGB employees and two department employees had resigned since September 2025, but their positions had been filled.
“Although 07 SGB and 02 GDE employees have resigned since September 2025 due to better offers, these posts have been filled, and there is no teacher shortage at the said school,” he said.
The department said it had conducted academic and leadership monitoring visits and assigned district officials to mediate between the SGB and the principal.
“District officials have been allocated to mediate between the SGB and the school principal, to resolve differences and improve working relations, moving forward,” Lubhelwana said.
The SGB is nevertheless pressing for the principal’s removal while the outstanding concerns are investigated, arguing that the current impasse is undermining its relationship with the school’s leadership.
The department’s mediation process is aimed at resolving the dispute and improving working relations.
masabata.mkwananzi@nationalmg.co.za