OSHIPUMBU – The head of department at Oshipumbu Combined School in the Eheke Circuit of the Oshana region is allegedly acting as the school principal while he is on sick leave.
It is alleged that the HoD, Andreas Imalwa, is on six weeks sick leave after he underwent an operation. However, it is alleged that he unprocedurally appointed his favourite teacher to sit in his office and report to him while he is at home.
Sources claim that correct procedures were not followed, and one of the candidates who met the requirements and was recommended for appointment, was ignored.
The school does not have a principal, as the last one got another post elsewhere.
School board member Ananias Nakashimba said what is happening at the school is not good, unacceptable and pure corruption.
“Since the school does not have a principal, automatically, Imalwa was supposed to act. If he cannot, he should have followed the right procedures to appoint somebody. But he decided to appoint someone to delegate,” said Nakashimba.
He said an election was held at the school by the teachers who recommended two candidates.
Nakashimba said he noticed that Imalwa and the former principal never liked the teacher who was elected.
“I do not like people being treated badly, I like fairness and everyone should be treated as they deserve,” he said.
Imalwa denied appointing a favourite teacher.
‘’The teacher in charge has nothing to do with all this. I just left her there since she under my department, and she is not receiving a salary for acting. She is just volunteering,” he said.
“The election that took place was illegal, that is why we did not follow it, as we thought the results might bring problems,” said Imalwa.
He further said some people are spreading lies with the intention of tarnishing other people’s names.
He said he is still on sick leave after he underwent an operation, and he cannot say when he will return to work.
Sources said Imalwa informed the school that he would be back at work a few weeks ago but he has not returned yet.
“Why are we being supervised by someone who is not at school through a proxy, the school is now in a mess,’’ said the source.
Approached for comment, inspector of education in Eheke Circuit Silas Mulongeni, said they have procedures to follow, and he had no time to entertain this reporter.
Oshana director Pauline Shapumba said her office had not received such a complaint.
“I cannot say much on the matter as I am driving,” said Shapumba.