Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Baha’i Schools’ Board of Directors says its relationship with government has become utterly incompatible, therefore, they see it fit to privatise.
The board is of the view that running the school under the State’s supervision was no longer harmonious, and as such, is convinced that privatisation was the best way to ensure the school’s long-term financial stability and also provide parents with greater transparency and accountability.
“We respect the ministry of education and training but only seek to maintain the school’s religious independence,” said the board.
handling
Government and the Baha’i Schools Board have been at odds over the running of the schools; in particular, the handling of the schools’ finances, which does not allow for auditing by the auditor general’s office.
The school has one account for all of its three institutions (kindergarten, primary and high school), which according to Schools’ Manager, Lungelo Nhlengetfwa, was unprocedural.
The board, however, argued that such had been the norm since the inception of the school, stating that they find it practical as the schools operate on one property belonging to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i of Eswatini.
Head teachers are also not permitted access to handling the schools’ funds, and according to the board this was a measure to ensure that funds are appropriately allocated.
“Head teachers get to provide input on the annual budget every year for the approval of the board. The school has a qualified bursar who manages the funds under the strict supervision of the board.
“All expenses, including purchases and salaries, undergo a stringent three-tier approval process involving the school manager and one member of the board,” explained the board.
Further, the board said it had noted the significant abuse of financial resources by head teachers and school committees in many schools across the country as noted in several annual reports by the auditor general, therefore, as custodians entrusted by parents with their children and investment, the board endeavours to “manage finances in accordance with global standards.”
The board assured parents that all funds from fees were used for the operations and development of the school and its premises.
Acting Ministry of Education and Training Principal Secretary, Naniki Mnisi, confirmed receiving the letter requesting privatisation of the school and said she had tasked the schools manager and the director of education to deal with the matter urgently in consideration of the future of the pupils.
Schools Manager, Nhlengetfwa, said the school was misinformed with regards to their intention to privatise as they could never sever ties with the ministry even if the request is approved.
“Privatising the institution would not make it exempt from the ministry’s rules and regulations,” said Nhlengetfwa, further explaining that there was a lot to consider before approving the application, especially, how the school was started and who funded the initial stages.
“If parents were involved in the initial stages financially or otherwise, then that application will not be given the green light, among other things,” revealed Nhlengetfwa.
refusing
Asked to provide clarification on why the board was refusing to convene a meeting called by the ministry, which eventually took place after the ministry wrote a counter letter to parents insisting that the meeting takes place, the board said it only issued a notice because they believed the Regional Education Officer (REO) had not followed the proper structures of setting up the meeting and was in violation of the schools constitution.
“The meeting was called by the REO without informing the school committee, who are authorised to call parents meetings.
“No agenda was provided, the owner of the property was not approached for allowing access and till today, the board is yet to receive feedback on the decisions that were taken if any,” the board responded.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
