.:The Lowvelder Online - Die Laevelder Op Die Web:.

Written by Gerhard Rheeder - Monday, 08 February 2010 16:56

NELSPRUIT - A war of biblical proportions is being fought behind the altar drapes of St Peter’s School.
The principal, Mr Jerry Mhlanga, has been on three months’ sick leave since the start of November and an extension of leave was granted on February 1 despite a storm brewing around his head, concerning his tenure.
He is facing the full wrath of parents for his "despotism", with the issue expecting to take centre stage at the school’s annual general meeting on Wednesday.
Mhlanga has been very unpopular with parents and the school has now been forced to take a stand against what parents perceive to be "Mhlanga’s unilateral reign" by extending his leave indefinitely.
Mhlanga was informed of the extension on February 1 when he was supposed to have returned from the three months "sick leave" granted at the end of October 2009.
Mhlanga’s future with the school will be hotly debated at the AGM with parents calling for "a permanent extension of leave by severing the remainder of his contract, from the school’s kitty".
Mhlanga may face disciplinary action on a number of allegations relating to misappropriation of funds, tender irregularities, general mismanagement and issues pertaining to the security of the school and its learners.
The extension follows three uncertain months during which Mhlanga steered clear of the school. A parent who wished to remain anonymous told Lowvelder that "arbitration between Mhlanga and the school over his remaining contract, will precede disciplinary steps".
Parents have been baying for Mhlanga’s blood for a number of months following news of a bully report that was allegedly "blatantly ignored by Mhlanga" late last year.
"We are awaiting a medical report on Mhlanga’s situation," chairman of the school’s board of governors, Mr Linda Mwale, told Lowvelder. Acting principal, Sister Louise Gufler, declined to comment on the "precarious position the school is in".