The Eastern Cape’s Department of Education MEC Fundile Gade has commended AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo kaSabatha for intervening in a conflict between a local chief, the School Governing Body, and the Laphum’ikhwezi Primary School community over tower installation proceeds.
The issue arose when a local chief Sakhumzi Dalindzolo Mareke demanded that proceeds from cell towers installed at the school be deposited into their bank accounts.
At one school, they inquired about the proceeds, while at another, they confiscated school keys, claiming ownership. Eventually, the dispute was peacefully resolved.
Last week, a group of men and women allegedly assaulted the acting principal of Laphum'ikhwezi Primary School after he refused to comply with their demand to deposit the tower proceeds into an account.
This led to educators leaving, feeling unsafe, and the school closing for five days.
Upon receiving the report, the OR Tambo Education District intervened by establishing a task team.
This team worked with the AbaThembu King, who convened a meeting at the weekend to address the issues affecting the schools.
On Tuesday, the AbaThembu King provided leadership and guidance during a meeting at Mthatha West.
MEC Gade confirmed that the intervention by King Buyelekhaya had resulted in the resumption of teaching and learning at Laphum’ikhwezi Primary School as of August 21, 2024.
The department also emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure the security of schools, especially in districts vulnerable to extortion, such as Nelson Mandela Education District.
IOL