Rundu school faces scrutiny over ‘missing’ money
Dr Romanus Kampungu Secondary School in Rundu is under scrutiny for not providing a detailed report on the expenditure of almost N$300 000, as indicated in its financial report for June to December 2023.
According to concerned parents and teachers, the report - presented to parents earlier this year - lacked clarity, prompting concerns and demands for a detailed version.
A teacher - who chose to remain anonymous - told Namibian Sun that during a meeting in February, one of the parents asked why such a large sum was reported under one category while other expenses were itemised. “Additionally, the holiday classes in 2023 were organised by the education ministry, and no learners from the school participated. The teachers who worked during the holiday were directly paid by the ministry. The parents also questioned how surplus, typically considered profit, was presented as an expenditure. Furthermore, the nature of 'other services' [listed in the report] was unclear,” he said.
The teacher said the principal promised to provide a more detailed account of the spending, but no such report has been availed.
Another teacher questioned the credibility of the report, saying they had questions regarding the holiday classes and funds labelled ‘surplus’ on the document.
“How is it fair for a principal of a high school to lie to parents? It looks like we are being taken for fools. How can you tell people a surplus, additional funds and holiday [classes are] now under expenses? The ministry provided the holiday classes, and I am confident you can inquire with the ministry and they will confirm this. Teachers were asked to provide their employee cards and everything to be paid by the ministry. So, how was this N$290 000 spent?” he wanted to know.
‘It can wait’
Commenting on the matter, Kavango East education director Christine Shilima said schools are currently closed, making it difficult to conduct an audit of the school’s finances. “However, I will ask the chief accountant from the schools that were audited last year. They usually take a sample, so I can find out if they audited Dr Romanus Kampungu Secondary School,” she said.
She also confirmed that the ministry indeed paid teachers for the holiday classes. “It was difficult for the teachers, and it was our responsibility to pay them during the holiday, not the schools,” she explained.
Meanwhile, principal Thomas Zokka could not be reached for comment. The chairperson of the school board - who could only be identified as Nambase - told the Namibian Sun the school is closed and the matter ‘can wait’ until it reopens.
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According to concerned parents and teachers, the report - presented to parents earlier this year - lacked clarity, prompting concerns and demands for a detailed version.
A teacher - who chose to remain anonymous - told Namibian Sun that during a meeting in February, one of the parents asked why such a large sum was reported under one category while other expenses were itemised. “Additionally, the holiday classes in 2023 were organised by the education ministry, and no learners from the school participated. The teachers who worked during the holiday were directly paid by the ministry. The parents also questioned how surplus, typically considered profit, was presented as an expenditure. Furthermore, the nature of 'other services' [listed in the report] was unclear,” he said.
The teacher said the principal promised to provide a more detailed account of the spending, but no such report has been availed.
Another teacher questioned the credibility of the report, saying they had questions regarding the holiday classes and funds labelled ‘surplus’ on the document.
“How is it fair for a principal of a high school to lie to parents? It looks like we are being taken for fools. How can you tell people a surplus, additional funds and holiday [classes are] now under expenses? The ministry provided the holiday classes, and I am confident you can inquire with the ministry and they will confirm this. Teachers were asked to provide their employee cards and everything to be paid by the ministry. So, how was this N$290 000 spent?” he wanted to know.
‘It can wait’
Commenting on the matter, Kavango East education director Christine Shilima said schools are currently closed, making it difficult to conduct an audit of the school’s finances. “However, I will ask the chief accountant from the schools that were audited last year. They usually take a sample, so I can find out if they audited Dr Romanus Kampungu Secondary School,” she said.
She also confirmed that the ministry indeed paid teachers for the holiday classes. “It was difficult for the teachers, and it was our responsibility to pay them during the holiday, not the schools,” she explained.
Meanwhile, principal Thomas Zokka could not be reached for comment. The chairperson of the school board - who could only be identified as Nambase - told the Namibian Sun the school is closed and the matter ‘can wait’ until it reopens.
[email protected]
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