The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Matatiele have raised serious concerns about the conduct of the Maluti Magistrate Court and Ludidi High School, accusing both institutions of actions that allegedly undermine justice, learner safety and community wellbeing.
According to a statement issued by the EFF Matatiele Sub-region following an Extended Sub-regional Command Team (ESRCT) meeting, the party condemned what it described as the careless and improper handling of judicial proceedings by the Maluti Magistrate Court. The EFF claims that such conduct compromises the principle of equal justice and has resulted in complainants being denied fair and impartial outcomes. The party alleged that it has documented several cases in which the court failed to administer justice without bias, citing a matter involving Mr Siphiwe George Shwayimba and the Phuthadichaba school principal as an example where fairness was allegedly lacking. The EFF described this as part of a broader pattern of judicial impropriety that it says requires urgent intervention.
In the same statement, the EFF accused the Department of Education of failing to act decisively on on-going reports of bullying and violence at Phuthadichaba School. The party alleged that the situation has persisted under the leadership of Principal Mr Jafta, and described the department’s response as negligent. The organisation also raised alarm over conditions at Ludidi High School, accusing the school of endangering learners through what it termed unlawful contractual arrangements with private bus operators. The EFF claimed that repeated accidents involving buses transporting learners were linked to these alleged illegal agreements.
Calling for immediate action, the EFF demanded that all unlawful transport arrangements be terminated and replaced with safe, regulated alternatives. The party further urged parents and community members not to allow what it described as reckless practices that put learners’ lives at risk. The EFF Matatiele Sub-region said it would intensify its oversight of Ludidi High School, the Department of Education and the Maluti Magistrate Court, warning that it would continue to expose and challenge what it views as unprofessional and dangerous conduct. The statement concludes with a call for community members, activists and supporters to unite in holding the implicated institutions accountable.
