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Mr Edzisani Muthathe, who was allegedly chased away by the SGB and the tradtional authority from the school where he was working.

Venda teacher allegedly chased away from Tsonga school

 

A mathematics teacher at Madobi Primary School, Mr Edzisani Muthathe, was allegedly chased away from the school by the school governing body (SGB) and the traditional authority "for being a Venda working in a Tsonga school". 

Muthathe (49) of Mashau has been reporting to the circuit office since February this year. He said he had already taken the matter to the manager of the Hlanganani Central Circuit for a solution.

“I’m head of department and execute my duties perfectly. I started working with them in 2007, without any problems. The problem started in February when the principal, Mr Mack Johnson Makhubele, announced that he was going to retire in April.  The SGB, Sanco and the traditional authority thought I might continue as acting head of the school and they started a fight against me. They don’t like Venda-speaking people in that area, and that is the reason why they chased me away, in front of the principal. He didn’t say anything to protect me. Pupils and some parents were crying as I was marched out,” Muthathe said.

According to Muthathe, the primary school, with approximately 450 pupils, is situated between Makhasa and Vyeboom "where 90% of people are Tsongas.”

Principal Mack Johnson Makhubele said that he could not comment on the matter and referred all queries to the Limpopo Department of Education. He refused to divulge if the school has another English or mathematics teacher.

The chairperson of the SGB, known as Mr Edward Ngobeni, refused to talk to the media. He said he did not talk to ghosts and warned the paper not to phone again. Mr Paena Galane, spokesperson of the Limpopo Department of Education, expressed his shock with the matter and stated that the Hlanganani Central Circuit was handling it. He emphasised, however, that South Africa is a united country with many languages, cultural diversity and religions and that the country could not allow any person or cultural group to insult others.  

"What we have discovered is that the traditional authority influenced community members to revolt against Muthathe, fearing that he may be appointed as principal when the current one retires. We don't want traditional leaders to create unbearable situation at our schools."

News - Date: 27 March 2015

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Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

Email: [email protected]

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