DELMAS — Workers and parents at Sundra High School near Delmas have accused the school’s governing body (SGB) of alleged labour violations, failure to comply with Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) regulations and possible financial mismanagement linked to school maintenance and procurement processes.
The allegations centre on governance and financial management practices at the school in Sundra, where community members say intervention by education and labour authorities is urgently needed.
Workers claim that former kitchen staff members were dismissed without being registered for the UIF, allegedly preventing them from accessing unemployment benefits.
One former kitchen worker, who claims to have worked at the school from 2023 until 31 March 2026, alleges they were instructed by school management to continue working throughout April 2026 despite their contract having ended.
The worker claims in a formal demand letter that they are owed R2 000 for work completed in April 2026 and a further R2 000 in notice pay.
They also allege that no UIF contributions were made during their employment period and that no payslips were issued. The employee is demanding payment within seven days, by 13 May 2026, and wants UIF contributions to be calculated and submitted.
Parents and workers further allege that the SGB is effectively run by chairperson Edward Bogacwi and SGB member Lebo Masisi.
Community members also allege that maintenance funds allocated for classroom repairs have not been properly utilised.
During a visit to the school, Highveld Chronicle observed several classrooms reportedly without windows, with learners using plastic sheets and cardboard as temporary coverings.
Parents say kitchen staff members are also working under difficult conditions, citing shortages of basic equipment such as brooms, pots, knives and cleaning materials.
“They say money is being used for maintenance, but the conditions at the school do not reflect that,” one worker alleged.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the appointment of security services at the school. According to parents, it was previously agreed that employment opportunities linked to the school should prioritise individuals with children enrolled at the institution.
However, some parents allege that SGB chairperson Edward Bogacwi is linked to the security company currently operating at the school. Community members further claim that some appointed security personnel do not have children attending the school, despite earlier agreements made during school meetings.
There are also claims that certain procurement and maintenance decisions may be handled internally by the SGB, raising concerns about transparency in tender processes.
When Highveld Chronicle visited the school, Bogacwi and other SGB members declined to comment. Previous attempts to obtain comment from the SGB before publication were also unsuccessful.
The Mpumalanga Department of Education had not responded at the time of publication.
All allegations remain unproven and have not been tested by any competent authority.
