An African proverb states that when elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. This saying seems particularly relevant to the children at Ganyane Primary School in Tshakhuma. For nearly two years, the Grade 5 learners have been without a mathematics teacher, caught in the middle of a dispute between the Limpopo Department of Education and the school governing body (SGB).
The chairperson of the SGB, Mr Robert Ndwambi, confirmed this week that the issue remains unresolved, meaning the children will likely start another year without a maths teacher.
Speaking in an interview at the end of last year, Ndwambi explained that the problem dates back to 2023. When the current SGB members were elected, they inherited the issue and began addressing it immediately. They requested a teacher from the circuit, which was eventually provided. "But the teacher who was sent to the school admitted that he hadn't taught mathematics in a long time and was no longer competent to teach it," said Ndwambi.
The circuit then initiated a recruitment process to appoint a new teacher. "We were thrilled when candidates were shortlisted. During the interviews, our top candidate scored over 90%, while the runner-up scored around 50%. We were very impressed and recommended the top candidate, who demonstrated exceptional skill in the subject," he said.
However, the department appointed the second-ranked candidate instead. "Their justification was that our preferred candidate's practicing certificate had expired. We know, however, that her certificate was valid at the time of application and only expired during the department's prolonged process. This delay was not her fault. We rejected the department's decision," said Ndwambi.
In an attempt to resolve the impasse, the department reassigned their preferred candidate to another school in Nzhelele. "We hoped they would then appoint our chosen candidate, but this didn't happen. The teacher we recommended has since renewed her practicing certificate," he added.
Ndwambi expressed concerns about the integrity of the recruitment process. "When this began, we heard rumours about teaching posts being sold to the highest bidder, but we dismissed them. Now, as events unfold, we're starting to suspect foul play. How can a highly competent candidate be overlooked in favour of a less qualified one? Something doesn't add up. We've escalated the issue to the district and provincial levels, but they seem indifferent to the plight of the learners. We won't rest until our children receive the quality education they deserve," he said.
Mr Gabriel Malaka, a veteran politician and an executive member of the Timbuktu Collective, a local NGO focused on education, said his organisation was deeply concerned about the situation. "We're not here to point fingers. However, we feel both sides need to set their differences aside, swallow their pride, and reach consensus. The children, who are being denied their right to learn, must remain the top priority. As an organisation, we're engaging with all stakeholders and hope the learners will have a teacher soon," said Malaka.
Mr Matakanye Matakanye, general secretary of the National Association of School Governing Bodies (NASGB), said the issue had been brought to his attention. "This is a troubling and unacceptable situation for our children. As an organisation, we are actively addressing this matter. I've personally taken it up with the Limpopo Department of Education, and the acting Head of Department, Mr Mashaba, has assured me he's escalated the issue to the district level. We're optimistic that a solution will be found and that learners will have a teacher at the start of 2025. We're keeping our fingers crossed for positive feedback," said Matakanye.
Efforts to obtain comment from the education authorities were unsuccessful. Vhembe East District Director Mr Shumani Ravhuanzwo said he was aware of the issue but could not comment as he was on leave. He referred queries to Ms Makhari, who confirmed her knowledge of the problem but said protocol prevented her from speaking publicly as the department had an official spokesperson.
Ndwambi expressed his frustration, stating that despite promises to resolve the matter urgently, no progress had been made. "We are still waiting for a response from the department, and time is running out as schools are about to reopen. We have resolved to meet with the MEC to seek political intervention as it seems there is no willingness to help on the administrative side," he said.