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The DA will be writing to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) requesting that it summons the MEC for Education, Sello Lehari, to account for the appointment and payment of acting principals and answer to the DA’s claims that he misled the house on the matter.

While replying to a DA question in the Legislature, the MEC claimed that all 53 acting principals in the province receive monetary allowances for executing their duties. This is not only misleading, but it is false.

During an oversight visit at the beginning of the year, the DA was informed by acting principals that they had not received their formal appointment letters and that they do not receive financial benefits for executing the duties of acting principals.

A DA survey on the conditions of employment and salary payments of acting school principals in the province also confirmed the continued non-compensation of these educators.

This is clear evidence that the MEC has no idea what is happening in his own Department.

The DA believes that it is unethical to provide misleading replies to Legislature questions tabled in the interest of the public and aimed at holding the Provincial Executive to account.

SCOPA needs to sanction the MEC for this gross violation of Legislature rules.

Principals play a vital role to ensure proper management and administration of schools, this is vital in ensuring the delivery of quality education contributing to the success of learners.

Issued by DA