Lead SA has welcomed steps announced today by Gauteng Education MEC, Barbara Creecy, in an attempt to clamp down on financial irregularities at independent schools.
Creecy presented a comprehensive report this morning on some 205 subsidised schools that have been assessed by Marumofase Fivaz Security Solutions (Pty) Ltd since October 2011 for compliance with the conditions set out for subsidies.
The investigation was launched after Lead SA alerted the department to an alleged misuse of state subsidies by the owner of the Ekhukhanyeni Schools in Denver and Ramaphosa, outside Germiston.
“When Lead SA visited the school in Ramaphosa, we were shocked with what we found there. The conditions were beyond appalling. The so-called place of ‘learning’ lacked the basics of a desk, stationary and some classrooms had broken windows and a general appearance of neglect. After we left the school we had a gut feeling that something was very wrong here and we subsequently learned that the owner was receiving millions in state subsidies. It appeared as if the money was not trickling down to where it was needed. The worst of it was yet to come,” said Lead SA activist, Yusuf Abramjee.
The owner, Reverend Josias Mabaso tried to bribe Abramjee to remain mum on the alleged irregularities at the school, but was later arrested with the help of Lead SA during a sting operation led by the Hawks in Gauteng.
Abramjee said he was pleased to note that both the Ekhukhanyeni Schools were deregistered after the investigation revealed alleged “serious fraud, corruption and non-compliance with the conditions for registration and subsidies.”
Creecy also announced that the findings of George Fivaz’s investigation has been handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and that additional charges will be brought against Mabaso.
“We welcome the announcement that an education department official has been suspended and charged criminally in this matter,” said Abramjee.
Lead SA’s Terry Volkwyn, said: “We applaud the Gauteng Department of Education for working with speed on this matter and publically presenting the findings of their full investigation into independent school subsidies within months. We can only hope to tackle corruption with transparency and swift and decisive action. We can’t allow corruption or mismanagement to stand in the way of our children’s education. We simply have to stand up and do the right thing.”
Lead SA noted that only 18% of the 205 subsidised independent schools required further investigation, but said that whatever the number it was unacceptable that learners had to pay the price for irregularities and corruption.
“This investigation by the department serves as a challenge to other provinces to follow the example and launch investigations of their own into whether subsidies indeed trickle down to learners. The findings of this report shows there are people who are taking advantage of the system and pocketing millions of rands at the expense of education. This cannot be allowed to continue,” said Volkwyn, who called on the Department of Basic Education to push this investigation out to other provinces.
The report showed a total number of 36 schools were referred for a full forensic investigation of which two were deregistered and five were found to have sufficient financial management controls in place. Some 7 schools were found to have serious instances of financial mismanagement. Of these schools Silver Springs Private School, Sinqobile and Vutomi declined the department’s offer to be placed under administration and has since been referred to the SAPS for further investigation.
“We welcome the department’s zero tolerance approach,” said Abramjee. “We need people to be held accountable and the department has taken the first steps. These investigations and their findings need to be followed through and we want to see justice.
Volkwyn added: “We think the recommendation to centralise independent school inspections will make a difference in detecting irregularities sooner and addressing them. Plans to tighten the reins on independent schools will also make an impact, but we need people to be the eyes and ears as well, and report any wrongdoing at their schools.”
Lead SA will monitor the progress of George Fivaz’s investigation into the remaining 22 schools, that is expected to take another six months.
“We will continue to put pressure on authorities to ensure that our children receive the best education and not be held ransom by those who are brazenly using state subsidies for everything but the advancement of education and the upkeep of schools,” said Abramjee.
For media comment please contact Yusuf Abramjee on 082 441 4203 or for general enquiries, Marisa Oosthuizen on 071 475 4414.
Issued on behalf of Lead SA
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