The uncle who coached controversial 2012 Comrades Marathon winner Ludwick Mamabolo is at the centre of a row over missing exam results at a Limpopo school where he teaches.
Jerry Ramohlale, a temporary teacher at Ramogobe Primary School in Moletjie Ga-Ramongoana outside Polokwane, is accused by his colleagues and the school governing body (SGB) of regularly bunking work.
He allegedly has been away from work without permission to train and prepare nephew Mamabolo for the ultra-marathon.
Sources close to the situation alleged that Ramohlale was being protected from being disciplined by MJ Mamabolo, manager of the Bahlaloga circuit. The Star could not establish if he is related to the athlete, although they share the same surname.
Sources also alleged Ramohlale was paid for the days he was absent from work.
Ramohlale’s alleged continued absence from work has resulted in pupils in grades 5 and 7 not receiving their June exam results for the three subjects he teaches.
This came to light when a parent, Refiloe Letlalo, wanted clarity about the missing results for her daughter and nephew.
Results for Northern Sotho, life orientation, and arts and culture were missing.
The principal has written “subject teacher was absent” on the space for the exam marks.
Ramohlale worked only one day in June, on June 11, according to the secretary of the SGB and a teacher at the school, Rosy Phihlela.
“Since last year he has been coming to work twice or thrice a week,” she said, speaking as a member of the SGB.
This was confirmed by two other teachers, who asked not to be mentioned for fear of possible victimisation.
“He only comes to work when he wants, and when he doesn’t come, he gives no reason,” said one teacher.
Yesterday, Ramohlale refused to comment on the allegations.
According to the principal, Matome Mara, and other teachers, Ramohlale started working at the school as a temporary teacher last August.
Mara refused to divulge details about Ramohlale’s alleged absence from work, but said the matter was being handled by the circuit manager.
Despite the SGB’s decision not to renew Ramohlale’s contract last month, the circuit manager allegedly insisted that the school should retain him.
Phihlela said the circuit manager was aware of Ramohlale’s alleged indiscretion.
“Last Thursday, the circuit manager, Mr Mamabolo, came here to tell us we must renew Ramohlale’s contract,” said Phihlela.
This was after the SGB advertised his temporary post and appointed someone in the position.
“The circuit manager said to us that Ramohlale has been in the system and we must absorb him.”
The new teacher had since been removed to make way for Ramohlale, Phihlela said.
Several attempts to contact the circuit manager, including a visit to his office, were unsuccessful and he could not be reached for comment.
But Limpopo Education Department spokesman Pat Kgomo said: “The allegations are disturbing. (Today) we will send a senior official to the school to investigate.”
Ludwick Mamabolo is currently being investigated for allegedly taking a banned substance to enhance his performance at the Comrades.
The Star