By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Teaching and learning at Tabola ya Dithotaneng Intermediate School were disrupted on Wednesday morning as angry parents and members of the School Governing Body (SGB) demanded the immediate removal of the acting principal, threatening further shutdowns if their concerns are not addressed.
Protesters picketed peacefully outside the school gates in the early hours of 6 May, turning learners away while allowing teachers and staff onto the premises.
They accuse the acting principal of autocratic leadership, financial mismanagement, sidelining the SGB in key decisions, and irregular appointments.
SGB chairperson Sipho Moloi said the school has long operated without stable leadership, lacking both a permanent principal and deputy.
“Our previous attempts to raise these concerns with the department were ignored. As parents and the SGB, we resolved to halt schooling today to force urgent intervention. Our primary demand is the immediate removal of the acting principal,” said Moloi.
The Guard Newspaper has established that the acting appointment was initially set for six months and ended in January.
However, a letter dated May 4, 2026, and signed by the acting district director of education in Thabo Mofutsanyana, extends the same principal’s acting tenure from January 12 to June 30, 2026.
Moloi further alleged that key decisions were taken without consultation.
“Changes to the school uniform were made without the SGB’s knowledge. There are school trips organised without informing parents. The school is being run unilaterally. We want a permanent principal who will work with us,” he said.
Parent Dimakatso Motaung, while sympathetic to the grievances, criticised the disruption of classes.
“Children have been sent home in the cold while some parents are already at work, believing they are safe at school. One lost school day is significant. This matter should have been resolved through a formal meeting involving all stakeholders,” she said.
Moloi confirmed that the Department of Education has committed to meeting with the SGB and parents on Thursday, 7 May at 15:00 to address the dispute.
District officials were present at the school on Wednesday as tensions unfolded.
