Following a dramatic week of tensions surrounding land usage at Havenpark Secondary in Phoenix, the School Governing Body (SGB) has come forward to address allegations of unfair treatment and financial necessity that led to the leasing of school property.
SGB chairperson Lucy Govender asserted that the leasing arrangement with two companies currently utilising the school's grounds is compliant with the South African Schools Act, which grants SGBs the authority to manage rental and lease agreements.
The conflict escalated when local residents and parents raised concerns about the operation of a bus depot on school grounds, triggering inspections led by officials from the Department of Public Works. In a dramatic turn of events, these officials were denied access by the school principal, who subsequently sought police assistance to remove KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Public Works, Martin Meyer, from the premises.
Meyer claimed the depot posed a "severe health risk and safety risk" to students, arguing that no planning permission had been obtained for its operation.
Govender corrected Meyer in her statements, clarifying that two businesses, rather than one, currently occupy the school grounds: a trucking company and a parking depot for a luxury bus service.
"The land is split into two parts," Govender explained. "The trucking company's lease began on 1 February 2026 and the bus service's on 1 September 2025. They do not engage in commercial trade; their operations merely involve parking."
She added that the companies each pay a monthly rental fee of R15,000, funds that are crucial for maintaining school facilities and supporting SGB teaching staff.
Havenpark Secondary has faced challenges in receiving adequate budget allocations from the department for these teaching positions, leaving the SGB largely to shoulder the financial burden.
"We employ four to five SGB teachers for grades eight to twelve, which we pay for out of these rental proceeds," Govender noted. "Without these funds, we are forced to choose between keeping the school operational and providing for our learners' education."
Currently, the school is grappling with R4.9 million in outstanding school fees, with approximately 40% going unpaid due to financial strains on families in the area.
Addressing the wider community concerns, Govender refuted claims of neighbour complaints regarding the depot, asserting that interactions with residents had been positive.
"They have indicated they feel safer now that there's activity on the property," she said.
The presence of the bus depot, she argued, has contributed to reducing local issues such as drug-related crime and prostitution, with the well-lit area and cleared grounds providing a more secure environment for students. The school also boasts ample recreational space, with a student population of just 545, a significant decrease from its capacity of 1,650, which alleviates the necessity for extensive grounds.
Annual sports events for the students are conducted at Kings Park Stadium, with transportation sponsored by the bus owners, a collaboration that Govender highlighted as beneficial. Safety precautions have been woven into the lease as well, stipulating that no bus operations occur during peak school hours, ensuring minimal disruption for learners.
The SGB's financial woes are compounded by the government's classification of the school under Quintile 5, a designation that Govender claims has severely hampered their ability to collect necessary fees.
"Dealing with the financial strain of electricity bills, now exceeding R30,000 monthly, has become critical for our operations. If we fail to make payments, we risk losing power within classrooms and jeopardising the entire school's functionality," she lamented.
In response to the ongoing situation, Department of Public Works spokesperson Steve Bhengu confirmed that officials have since gained access to the school site for investigations. Bhengu has also confirmed that "early indications are that there have been transgressions in terms of bylaws and regulations in accordance with the department."
This is a developing story.