Staff Reporter
Bloemfontein – The Free State Department of Education is facing accusations of hypocrisy and heavy-handed control after allegedly blocking St Andrew’s School in Bloemfontein from responding to questions about a reported sexual misconduct incident on school premises.
At the centre of the controversy is departmental spokesperson Howard Ndaba, who appears to decide which interviews school principals may or may not grant to the media.
Within the space of one week, Ndaba approved an interview with Boitumelo Secondary School in Meqheleng, Ficksburg, while failing to respond to – and effectively blocking – an interview request with St Andrew’s School in Bloemfontein.
In both cases, school principals indicated they were willing to be interviewed, but only with Ndaba’s consent.
Boitumelo Secondary School
On Thursday, 15 January 2026, a request was made to Malefane Ramateketse, principal of Boitumelo Secondary School, for an interview regarding the school’s matric results.
Ramateketse made it clear that he could only proceed if permission was granted by Ndaba. A call was placed to Ndaba, who promptly gave consent. The interview went ahead and was later published.
St Andrew’s School
The following day, 16 January 2026, a similar request was made at St Andrew’s School. The request was delivered in person to the principal’s personal assistant, seeking an interview with Ronald Ruud, the school’s principal.
As with Boitumelo, the response was that the principal would only participate if Ndaba approved the interview and might even be present during it.
A text message was sent to Ndaba requesting consent. No response was received. A follow-up reminder was sent, again with no reply.
The requested interview was intended to allow Ruud to explain why the school has allegedly failed to take action following a reported sexual misconduct incident that occurred on school premises, and to clarify whether learners are safe in the school’s hostels.
According to St Andrew’s own code of conduct, sexual misconduct is classified as a serious offence.
However, no visible disciplinary action has been taken, raising serious concerns among parents and the broader community.
Silence from authorities
Attempts to obtain comment from District Director December Moloi and Provincial SGB Chairperson Konstable Selebedi were unsuccessful, as both failed to respond to questions sent to them.
The apparent selective approval of interviews has raised questions about transparency, accountability, and the department’s commitment to protecting learners.
Education stakeholders and child-rights advocates warn that failing to act decisively in cases of alleged sexual misconduct not only undermines trust in school governance, but also places learners at continued risk.
At the time of publication, the Department of Education had not provided any explanation for its silence regarding St Andrew’s School.
MEC Maboya has not condemned the SGB nor the principal but came out guns blazing when news broke that a teacher from New Horizon school in Harrismith was allegedly involved in sexual misconduct in November 2025.
Dr Mamiki “Mathlabs” Maboya, MEC for Education said Sexual predators have no place in our schools. Not today, not tomorrow not ever.
Dr Maboya added: “Schools exist to shape futures, not destroy them. This department will pursue truth, accountability, and justice – without fear or favor.”
The department called the board of New Horizon to demonstrate leadership but can’t do the same with St Andrew’s.
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