The Free State Department of Education suspended the principal of Selelekela Secondary School in QwaQwa on Friday, 23 October 2026, after a Grade 12 learner was barred from writing the English First Additional Language Paper 3 exam on 15 October 2026. The principal, who also acted as the school’s chief invigilator, faces investigation following the incident, which was allegedly linked to unpaid school fees.
The department confirmed the suspension was effective immediately pending a full inquiry. “The chief invigilator, who is also the principal of the school, has been suspended with immediate effect pending the investigation,” said Howard Ndaba, spokesperson for the Free State Department of Education.
The learner in question has received psychosocial support and has been allowed to continue writing the remainder of her matric examinations, according to department sources. Officials are preparing a concession application to Umalusi via the Department of Basic Education seeking to exempt her from rewriting the missed paper in June 2027.
While News24 has identified the learner as Lesego Leotla and reported she owed approximately R3,000 in outstanding fees, these details have not been independently confirmed by other sources or the department. The learner was reportedly barred from the exam due to these alleged arrears.
The Free State Department of Education reiterated that “school fee disputes must never compromise a candidate’s opportunity to write.” They further warned that any non-compliance with examination procedures would not be tolerated, emphasising that eligible candidates must not be refused access to exams due to unpaid fees.
This incident raises concerns about access to education and examination fairness in a country where school fee policies and funding remain sensitive issues. Barred examinations could have significant impacts on learners’ futures, especially when happening in key Grade 12 subjects.
Selelekela Secondary School is now under closer scrutiny as the department investigates the principal’s actions and the school’s adherence to examination regulations. The concession request to Umalusi is being finalised, aiming to provide a remedy for the learner affected.
Cape Flats News will follow this story as the investigation unfolds and the concession decision is announced.