The once prestigious Benny’s Care Sport Academy is facing a crisis, with teachers alleging months of unpaid salaries and dozens of learners left in limbo.
At the start of this week, eight teachers said they had not been paid since January 2026. Some classes have reportedly been left unattended, with learners writing controlled tests without supervision.
The developments have come as a shock to many. The academy, based in Tshiozwi village near Louis Trichardt, has long been regarded as one of the region’s top private schools, known for developing soccer talent.
Former players include Khuliso “Sailor” Mudau, who went on to play for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, as well as Lesedi Kapinga, Ivan Mahangwahaya and Wiseman Maluleke. The school’s U/19 team also won the national Kay Motsepe Schools Cup two years ago, securing R3 million in prize money.
Now, the academy faces allegations of labour exploitation and mismanagement. Teachers say non-payment has been an ongoing issue, with some claiming outstanding salaries dating back years. Since Friday, 6 March, several educators have not reported for duty.
In a collective letter, staff describe a pattern of non-payment, broken promises and poor working conditions. They say they are often required to teach multiple grades and subjects outside their expertise, with little or no breaks.
One teacher said she had not received a full salary since October 2025. “I teach from Grade 4 up to Grade 10 home languages, and it is frustrating because I have to see them every day. I don't have a free period and sometimes I don't take a break because I'll be preparing for the next class. On top of that, I don't get paid,” she said.
Another educator, who has worked at the academy for 12 years, said he is owed money dating back to at least 2019, with some claims going as far back as 2014. He said attempts to resolve the matter through the CCMA had failed.
“I worked for 12 years patiently. The issue of payment existed from the start, and he owes me from 2019 up to 2026. If bank statements are checked, he even owes me from 2014,” he said.
He added that he had been told he is owed R48,000, a figure he disputes. “They decide what they want to pay you. If you refuse, you are labelled a problem and threatened,” he said.
The situation has had a direct impact on learners. Pupils, who pay R940 a month in school fees, have reportedly been attending classes without proper supervision since early March, raising concerns about both academic integrity and safety.
Parents have begun expressing concern, with some considering removing their children.
“We don't know what to say because the school has not informed us of anything, and we cannot really depend on the information we receive from children. We need to find our kids a new school to protect their future. They are not being taught, and what are they writing? I have had two kids at the school, and the other is already at university. I asked my child, 'Who is teaching you?' and she said the principal. Can the principal teach the whole school? It is not easy to get a child into a school in the middle of a school year,” said one parent.
Academy director Mr David “Benny” Mufamadi acknowledged the financial difficulties, attributing them to funding delays.
“We submitted applications about six months ago in preparation for 2026, and funding of around R3 million has been approved. However, when sponsors attempted to release the funds, SARS intervened over an outstanding amount of about R200,000 and requested supporting documents,” he said.
Mufamadi admitted that teachers had not been paid. “We held a meeting where I explained the financial difficulties we are facing. We are currently experiencing challenges with exams and have had to outsource former teachers to assist. There have also been delays with other expected funding. A funder who was due to pay last Friday [13th] has not yet done so, and we are in communication with the CEO of a major PSL club who has indicated that payments are being processed. Once funds are received, teachers will be paid,” he said.
He added that the school currently has just over 70 learners and between eight and nine teachers, although four are on strike.
Limpopo Department of Education spokesperson Mike Maringa said there are processes in place to address complaints at independent schools.
“There is a way of assessing independent schools. If there are complaints, there are internal channels that parents must use, including taking the matter up with the circuit managers,” he said.