By Theodorah Waga Mawasha
BOLOBEDU- The principal Elvis Moroatshehla, of Lekukela Primary School in Bolobedu, Greater Letaba and the school governing body (SGB) are being accused of corruption.
It is alleged that they bypassed the system of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI).
Although the Department of Basic Education gazetted that young people between the ages of 18 to 35, employed in phases 1 and 2 of the PYEI, are eligible to be transitioned to phase 3 of the program.
The youth of Mollong village in Bolobedu together with residents took to the school on Wednesday, June 22, because they are unhappy that the same people who started working since the inception of the program, are still working to date. This as applications for phase 3 closed mid-June and new recruits resumed duties.
A community member who spoke anonymously said that they are frustrated because jobs are scarce and they were hoping the youth will alternate and everyone will eventually get a chance to work at the school.
“I feel that the school is failing us. When this initiative was introduced, we thought that we stood a good chance of being hired because we are in close proximity to the school. Unfortunately, the school is painting a different picture. Posts are advertised but interviews are never conducted. We need to know why”, she said.
Tzaneen voice contacted a member of the SGB at the school, Mpho Monyai, who re-iterated the sentiments of the community.
“We stand in unison with the youth who wish to work at the school. However, our hands are tied at the back because we are overlooked”, Monyai said.
The school principal, Moroatshehla, declined to comment.
The department of Basic Education was contacted for comment but referred the publication to the government website to get more clarity on the process to be followed when hiring Education Assistants.
