By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
Nokuthula Centre and special school situated in Lyndhurst is in the news again, for the wrong reasons.
This time, the principal is accused of gross misconduct, corruption and fraud. Some furious workers have allegedly tried in vain to obtain the help of the departments concerned.
The high-tech school, estimated at about R300 million, opened its doors to learners with special education needs in October 2017.
According to a well-placed source, Nokuthula has three accounts, namely a business account (which is the main account), sub-account and personal account that was created for unknown reasons.
” But, what I have picked up is, they are using these accounts for nefarious dealings. The sub account I’m referring to is FNB account named ‘Health” account.
“I have no idea what the purpose of this account is, but I know it’s used as a slush fund to do business off the records of the school.
“Money is deposited from the main account monthly in the regions of R100 000,” the reliable source said.
The deep throat also said that the money is used to pay employees who are already paid by the state an additional monthly amount.
The source named the principal, deputy principal and the other five staff members who are remunerated from the health account.
“These payments are made on the 25th of each month. This information was obtained from a reliable source from the respective bank.
According to the information at our disposal, the principal, Doris Nomathemba, is paid R12 500 whereas her assistant is paid R10 500 monthly.
We hid names of some workers who also benefited from the dirty account: Admin Assistant R7 800), Professional Nurse R6 200, Driver R3 500, Teacher R3 500, General Assistant R3 500,
General Assistant R3, 500, Teacher R3, 500, Occupational Therapist R4 000.
Another source said: “I write to you today with a sad and broken heart because of my work environment.
“I have experienced bad treatment and verbal abuse from Nomathemba. Having been exposed to such a toxic working environment has left me with no choice, but to lay a grievance.”
Nomathemba also allegedly treated another worker in an unfair manner. It is alleged that at one point, the principal acted unprofessionally and belittled a worker in front of coworkers.
“I am aware of people that are being paid by the school and I’ve got evidence. Nokuthula Centre and Special School is a hub of grand corruption.
A grand total of R60 000.00 is stolen every month. That’s a total of around R720, 000.00 per annum.
“I hope I will live a long life to see Nokuthula run as an exceptional example to the public at large. The looting has been happening unabated for more than 9 years, ” said another source.
Recently the school was in the news because of leaks on certain parts of the school’s roof, the collapse of some parts of the hall, geysers bursting, wrong delivery of furniture for stimulation classes, uneven tiles and cracked walls.
Last week, we contacted Nomathemba for comment, but she blue-ticked our WhatsApp message without replying.
We then contacted Thebe Khumalo, chairman of the Legislation Portfolio Committee on Infrastructure Development.
“Good morning. Please contact Mr Steve Mabona from the Department of Education,” said Khumalo.
Mabona referred us to Lazarus Mkhari, who deals with Learner Material Management.
“Good evening sir. I read your message and thought that the relevant office to address the issues raised would be that of the District Director of Johannesburg East, Ms Shirley Molobi,” Mkhari said.
Molobi said: “The matter is under investigation by the Department.”
Picture: Supplied
They need to be punished