Teachers from the Mkhuhlu Circuit took to the streets on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, to protest against what they call an unfair and irregular appointment of the new principal at Mapaleni Primary School.

Led by the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU), the educators marched to the Mkhuhlu Circuit offices demanding accountability from Circuit Manager Mthethwa, whom they accuse of hiring the new principal without following proper procedures or consulting the union.

According to SADTU, Mthethwa appointed a principal from the Ehlanzeni Circuit after the resignation of former principal, Silaule. The union alleges that information about Silaule’s resignation was deliberately withheld until January 2025, when the newly appointed principal suddenly assumed duty.

Union representatives say this is not the first time Mthethwa has been accused of favouritism, claiming she has been placing her relatives in senior positions within major schools across the circuit. “We are tired of this kind of corruption. The department is not helping at all. How can they investigate the principal and the circuit manager without suspending them?” said one SADTU representative.

Teachers and union members have been protesting since February, accusing the Department of Education of turning a blind eye to the situation. The group has vowed to continue marching to the Mkhuhlu Circuit offices every Tuesday and Wednesday until their concerns are addressed.

They warned that if the matter is not resolved by January 2026, when schools reopen, they will embark on a full-scale strike that could disrupt the start of the academic year.

For now, tensions remain high as teachers call for transparency, fairness, and urgent intervention from the provincial education department.