Monday, 7 September 2026

Uluazi High School principal Michali Makalima allegedly spent about R1 million meant for meals, learning materials and maintenance, including R250,000 at upmarket restaurants and R450,000 in cash withdrawals.

The Eastern Cape Education Department said Makalima was not cleared but returned to work after the investigation’s first phase, barred from financial duties while charges are prepared.

DA spokesperson Horashio Hendricks said a preliminary investigation should have been completed within 90 days, but had taken 11 months, exposing the principal to the school’s finances again.

Historian Dr Matole Motzeka said Victor Tulari was the legitimate Bapedi heir, while President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recognition of Queen Mother Mewarona Manyaku was confirmed by the courts.

Psychologist Dr Dumi Mashuro advised family members to set clear financial and practical boundaries, allowing loved ones to face consequences and build independence instead of reinforcing dependency.