Education
With regard to the investigation into the alleged fraud and financial misconduct by the former principal of the Golden Grove Primary School:
(1) (a) What were the start date and end date of the investigation by her Department into the matter, (b) what were the detailed timelines of when the matter was first raised with her Department and when it was actually investigated, (c) what was the date when the investigative report was (i) finalised by her departmental officials and (ii) presented to the school community, including the principal and school governing body, (d) what was the date on which a certain person, whose name has been furnished to her Department for the purpose of her reply, submitted his resignation and (e) what was the resignation effective date;
(2) whether her Department informed the South African Council of Educators of the findings brought to light by the internal investigation conducted; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether any charges were laid against the person named in (1)(d); if so, (a) on what date was it done and (b) what is the reference number?
My department has informed me of the following:
(1) (a) Investigation of initial allegations: 20 April 2016 to 13 September 2016.
Investigation of additional allegations: 1 December 2016 to 3 February 2017.
(b) Timeline:
• November 2015: Meeting with Metro Central Education District: Institutional Management and Governance. List of grievances sent to Metro Central officials.
• 20 April 2016: The School Corporate Officer at Metro Central Education District carried out a school audit.
• 13 September 2016: Findings and recommendations of the school audit were sent to the school.
• 30 November 2016: Complaints lodged by the Treasurer of the Governing Body
• 1 - 6 December 2016: Compliance Section of Metro Central Education District conducted an investigation into the alleged irregularities pertaining to financial administration.
• 3 February 2017: Metro Central sent the report with recommendations to the SGB.
• 31 July 2017: The Director: Institutional Management and Governance Planning submitted a request to the PFS for an investigation of the allegations of financial irregularities.
• 29 August 2017 and 11 September 2017: The PFS confirms the focus of its investigation in two letters, following the request made by the WCED.
• 31 August 2018: PFS report finalised.
(c) (i) 1st report: 13 September 2016
2nd report: 3 February 2017
Forensic report finalised: 31 August 2018
(ii) First and Second reports issued to the SGB and Principal on the dates they were finalised, and the forensic report was tabled at the SGB meeting in the last quarter of 2018.
(d) The person retired rather than resigned, and as such did not submit a resignation letter.
(e) See answer to 1(d).
(2) No. When the forensic report was signed off (31 August 2018), the person had already gone on mandatory retirement and was no longer employed by the WCED. Thus no disciplinary charges were formulated against this person.
(3) No. The forensic report did not indicate that criminal or civil proceedings should be instituted against this person.
