Allegations of mismanagement rock Hermann Gmeiner

Hermann Gmeiner Primary School, a publicly-funded private institution, has garnered attention as calls intensify for the removal of its principal, Maureen Gottlieb.

The principal has been accused of misusing her authority and mishandling school resources, leading to concerns about the well-being of both students and staff.

The school board, in conjunction with concerned parents, has voiced allegations of corruption and financial irregularities directed at Gottlieb.

Hilya Kambonde, the school board chairperson, highlighted these concerns in an interview with Namibian Sun earlier this month.

"The principal was only officially charged by the ministry in April this year, despite the ministry knowing since April last year," Kambonde claimed.

Long-term

Kambonde disclosed that since September 2021, suspicions of fraudulent activity have arisen, following a decision made by Gottlieb and the former school board chairperson, Ivan Tshabalala.

The decision involved awarding a construction contract worth N$1.1 million to Permastruct Construction & Civil CC, a company in which Gottlieb's nephew allegedly holds a significant stake. According to Kambonde, the decision was allegedly made without consulting other school board members and allegedly disregarded provisions of the Public Procurement Act of Namibia.

Kambonde said: "Mrs Gottlieb and Mr Ivan Tshabalala chose Permastruct Construction & Civil CC. The construction of the six classes, a storeroom, and toilets would cost the school more than N$1.1 million, and as an ordinary member of the board, I strongly took a stance against the decision."

Allegations mount

Beyond the construction controversy, Gottlieb reportedly faces accusations of further financial mismanagement within the school.

The alleged actions include providing unauthorised financial loans to teachers, utilising school funds for personal vehicle expenses, and lending school resources to a school at which she previously held a teaching position without board approval. Additionally, it's reported that learners were admitted midterm into overcrowded classrooms while Gottlieb was on sick leave, prompting concerns over the quality of education provided.

Kambonde expressed concern about the well-being of both learners and educators, highlighting overcrowded classrooms where teachers are struggling to provide effective instruction.

"A private school with 55 learners in a classroom is just wrong. Why must the quality of our children’s education be compromised?" Kambonde pointed out.

United front

Following a recent meeting that united school board members, teachers and parents, a unanimous consensus emerged. It was agreed that principal Gottlieb's dismissal from her role is necessary to restore the school's reputation and operational integrity. Kambonde underscored the urgency of the situation, emphasising the desire to return Hermann Gmeiner Primary School to its former state.

"We are here publicising this information because we want the principal gone. We want the school to get back to the Hermann Gmeiner that it was," she said, adding that "the current principal’s actions are simply unacceptable."

Upon being questioned about the accusation against her, Gottlieb said: "Unfortunately, I cannot respond to any questions."

A parent who spoke on condition of anonymity alleged: "We are paying school fees, and the money just disappears. The principal must be arrested for the money she stole from the school. What is so special about her that she cannot be arrested?"

Be gone

Since the recent parent meeting, teachers claimed they have been victimised by the principal through constant reminders of the teachers' oath of secrecy, which does not allow them to disclose certain confidential information.

"We are always reminded of the oath of secrecy, but only when it suits her. The working environment is toxic because of the principal. If she wants to pick on you, she won't hesitate. It's a very distasteful matter," a school staff member said, also on condition of anonymity.

A letter seen by Namibian Sun from the director of education, Paulus Nghikembua, revealed that his directorate has taken note of the concerns and is equally concerned about the status quo at the school. Nghikembua has, in response, scheduled a meeting with the board, which reportedly took place last week.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, school board chairperson Kambonde said: "The meeting was set to deter us from speaking to the media, but we won’t. We want the principal removed from Hermann Gmeiner. We are not asking for her to be fired, but we want her gone from our school."