WCED faces scrutiny as Zeekoevlei Primary's SGB calls for intervention

THE School Governing Body (SGB) has kicked back on claims that they were part of the dismissal of teachers at Zeekoevlei Primary School, where 76 learners were crammed into a classroom and has asked for an intervention while writing to the MEC.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) refuted this stating that no staff members were dismissed but that their contracts came to an end - and that the claims made about the acting principal were incorrect.  

Education watchdog, Parents for Equal Education (Peesa)’s founder, Vanessa le Roux, took to social media last week, where she shared the concerns of a Grade 7 parent at the school, with claims that 76 children were in one Afrikaans classroom.

She further claimed that due to an SGB post cut, there were just two teachers for nine subjects.

The Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) Director of Communications, Bronagh Hammond, said their district officials had been dispatched to the school and that the matter was being resolved.

Hammond explained that following the conclusion of a School Governing Board-funded post at the end of last year, the school requires an additional Afrikaans class in Grade 7 to accommodate learners effectively.

Following the controversy, the SGB released a statement claiming they were being disregarded and that they had called for dismissals to be placed on hold until March, citing that even the school’s counsellor, one cook, and bursar were dismissed.

“The Zeekoevlei Primary School Governing Body (SGB) expresses grave concern over the conduct of the new acting principal, citing repeated disregard for SGB authority and the South African Schools Act,” they said.

"Of grave concern is the unilateral termination of staff members who were lawfully appointed by the SGB, without consultation, formal meetings, or written communication with the governing body.

"Despite the SGB chairperson explicitly instructing that no staff be dismissed until March 2026 to ensure stability at the school, several dismissals took place on the very first day of the academic year.

"These decisions have had a direct and negative impact on teaching and learning, with some classes now accommodating as many as 78 learners per classroom, following the dismissal of SGB-appointed teachers.

"According to the acting principal, these actions were taken with approval from the circuit manager, however, the SGB has not received any formal correspondence or directive confirming such approval.

"Further concerns relate to financial governance at the school. The acting principal has sought to take full control of school finances, including the dismissal of the SGB-appointed bursar. The bursar was subsequently banned from the school premises, without explanation provided to the SGB.

"This raises serious questions about transparency, accountability, and compliance with governance protocols. Additionally, the school counsellor—who plays a critical role in supporting learners with social and emotional challenges was also dismissed. 

They added that.to date, the bursar, school counsellor, one cook and two SGB-appointed educators were dismissed.

"The matter has been escalated through formal channels, including correspondence addressed to the Western Cape Minister of Education, David Maynier, " they added.

"Despite these efforts, no meaningful intervention has occurred, and the situation remains unresolved."

However, Hammond emphasised that no staff members were dismissed - and that claims about the acting principal dismissed staff was incorrect.

"Two SGB educator contracts, a bursar post, a cook (NSNP) and one counsellor contract came to an end at the conclusion of 2025 and were not renewed," she added.

" As with all SGB-funded contract posts, these appointments have fixed end dates and are not automatically renewable. This is standard practice across schools. These were all SGB funded posts.

"These employees were formally informed last year—beginning in October 2025—that their contracts would not be renewed. The SGB was also made aware of this. The non-renewal of contracts is due to funding issues. The SGB were very aware of this.

"Allegations that the WCED has taken no action are untrue. The WCED has been actively supporting the school. District officials have been on site this week to address operational and administrative matters raised at the school, including those relating to class organisation, timetabling, and SGB administrative responsibilities.

"It is also important to note that the required budget meeting did not take place last year due to certain SGB members declining to proceed, which has contributed to ongoing governance challenges."

In relation to the class size she explained: "The WCED district team has identified that the conclusion of an SGB-funded educator post has impacted the Grade 7 class structure, requiring an additional Afrikaans class to accommodate learners appropriately.

"To address this, officials have reviewed educator qualifications, engaged the school leadership, and held a meeting on Thursday to explore feasible timetable and staffing adjustments. This process is progressing well, and the revised Grade 7 class structure is expected to be finalised this week.

"The WCED remains committed to supporting the school community.  The department’s sole focus is ensuring stability, lawful governance practices, and uninterrupted teaching and learning. We will continue working closely with the school leadership to resolve remaining issues in the best interests of the learners."

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