The move comes after disgruntled parents raised concerns about the management of the school’s affairs, including its finances. Some claimed the problems have been ongoing since 2024.

Parents allege that the SGB has failed to ensure that essential school supplies are purchased and that four vacant teaching posts were not filled, while a fifth teacher was recently dismissed. One of the parents, Itumeleng Duiker, said they had repeatedly engaged the Free State department of education over their concerns.

“We have engaged with the department to a point where we felt helpless as parents because a process which was supposed to take three days, according to them, has already taken four months. Yet the damage continues.”

Duiker alleged that learners at times have not had access to basic supplies such as toilet paper and paper needed for copies. Duiker also alleged that there was an incident last year where mock tests were sent to learners through their parents’ mobile phones.

Speaking to SABC News, SGB member Frank Mareka acknowledged mismanagement at the school. He said SGB members had alerted the department to alleged financial mismanagement at the school. Mareka further claimed the problems were extensive and alleged the principal was running Brebner Primary as if it were his own company.

The principal had allegedly opened a loan scheme for employees at the school and the money was never returned.

Free State Education spokesperson Howard Ndaba confirmed steps had been taken to stabilise the school.

“The HOD has exercised his power to use section 25 of the South African School Act to dissolve the SGB. In due course, he will appoint the administrator who will assume the duties of the SGB and work together with the management team to ensure the smooth running of the school.”

Ndaba said the department had not received a formal complaint regarding the allegation that the school principal had opened a loan scheme for employees. Due process would be followed should any information relating to the allegation be formally brought to the department’s attention.

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