A heated dispute has erupted between the Havenpark Secondary School Governing Body (SGB) and provincial officials over the leasing of school property to two companies, with the SGB defending the arrangement as a financial necessity. The conflict escalated when local residents and parents raised concerns about the operation of a bus depot on school grounds, triggering inspections led by officials from the Department of Public Works.
The SGB chairperson, Lucy Govender, asserted that the leasing arrangement is compliant with the South African Schools Act, which grants SGBs the authority to manage rental and lease agreements. Govender explained that the land is split into two parts, with a trucking company and a parking depot for a luxury bus service operating on the premises.
Financial Necessity
The companies each pay a monthly rental fee of R15,000, which is crucial for maintaining school facilities and supporting SGB teaching staff. Havenpark Secondary has faced challenges in receiving adequate budget allocations from the department for these teaching positions, leaving the SGB largely to shoulder the financial burden. The school is currently grappling with R4.9 million in outstanding school fees, with approximately 40% going unpaid due to financial strains on families in the area.
Community Concerns
Govender refuted claims of neighbour complaints regarding the depot, asserting that interactions with residents had been positive. The presence of the bus depot, she argued, has contributed to reducing local issues such as drug-related crime and prostitution, with the well-lit area and cleared grounds providing a more secure environment. The SGB has employed four to five teachers for grades eight to twelve, which are paid for out of the rental proceeds.
Here are some key points to consider:
- The leasing arrangement is compliant with the South African Schools Act
- The companies pay a monthly rental fee of R15,000
- The school is grappling with R4.9 million in outstanding school fees
- The presence of the bus depot has contributed to reducing local crime
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the dispute will be resolved. The SGB has made it clear that the leasing arrangement is a financial necessity, and that the benefits to the school and the community outweigh any potential concerns.
