South African school principal returns to work despite ongoing probe into over R1m
In Mdantsane near East London, South Africa, Ulwazi High School principal Mihlali Makhalima has returned to work after nearly 11 months of precautionary suspension. An investigation into allegations of the possible misuse of more than R1 million intended for student meals, learning materials and school maintenance is still ongoing.
As TimesLIVE reports, the Eastern Cape Department of Education allowed Makhalima to return to the school following applicable labour relations procedures. At the same time, his duties were restricted to curriculum-related activities, while all financial responsibilities and delegated powers were withdrawn until the investigation is completed.
Bank statement data
According to the publication, bank statements for the 16 months up to April last year indicate nearly R250,000 in spending at expensive East London restaurants, including Grazia Fine Food & Wine and La Grato. Another R450,000 was withdrawn in cash from ATMs, while R226,000 was obtained through supermarket tills and other cash withdrawal transactions.
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The statements also contain hundreds of payments to fast-food outlets, shops, a bar, a liquor store, car washes, hardware stores and butcheries. They were made using a debit card linked to the school account into which government grants are paid. The publication notes that there were no corresponding expenditure records or justifications for cash withdrawals, which averaged more than R42,000 per month.
Positions of the department and opposition
Education Department spokesperson Mali Mtima said Makhalima had not repaid any funds because the investigation has not yet been completed. According to him, the decision to return the principal to work does not mean the case has been concluded: the department is awaiting the investigation's results and the recommendations arising from them.
Eastern Cape Democratic Alliance representative Horatio Hendricks said he intended to refer the allegations concerning the principal and the school to the Hawks for an independent assessment and, if necessary, an investigation. He stressed that lifting the precautionary suspension does not exonerate Makhalima, who is entitled to a fair process and a conclusion based on evidence. Hawks representative Ndiphivhe Makhuwana said the unit had no information about the case. Makhalima did not respond to journalists' requests by the time of publication.
