Education
(1) (a) What circumstances led to the unrest that erupted at the Heathfield High School and in the surrounding community, (b) what were the outcomes of the appeal against the dismissal of a certain person whose name has been furnished to his Department for the purpose of his reply and (c) how did he arrive at the decision to (i) demote this person and (ii) move this person to another school;
(2) (a) what is the total expenditure on the (i) disciplinary hearing and (ii) appeal in this case and (b) what remedial action has his Department taken to intervene in the current unrest at the Heathfield High School?
[1] [a] The collapse in discipline occurred following the former principal’s announcement that he would not accept the offer to continue his employment in a Head of Department post at another school.
[b] The outcome was as follows:
- The finding on charge one (of assaulting or threatening to assault a learner) was set aside on appeal;
- The appeals against the findings of guilty on the further charges were dismissed. The charges were in essence:
- Failure to carry out a lawful order;
- Disrespect in the form of abusive or insolent behaviour;
- Bringing the WCED into disrepute;
- Misusing his position by inciting personnel and/or learners and/or the community on social media platforms not to attend school or to report for duty; and
- Breaching his employer’s social media policies;
- The sanction of dismissal stands, unless the employee was prepared to accept a demotion to a Head of Department position at one of three schools, which had been given to him, by no later than Friday, 20 May 2022.
[c] I did not arrive at the decision – the previous Minister of Education did. A summary of the decision was provided to the media and public on 12 May 2022 – a copy is attached for reference.
[2] [a] [i] Legal representation: R 653 843.50
Presiding Officer: R 85 525.00
Total: R739 368.50
[ii] Legal costs associated with the appeal are being finalised, and can be provided to the member once they are confirmed.
[b] The Department contracted an independent facilitator who has been engaging with the School Governing Body [SGB], educators, learners and staff, with a view to ensuring peace and stability at the school.
The primary focus is to ensure that learners right to learning continues and that teachers are able to teach – all in a safe environment. Significant progress has been made with commitments made by the Representative Council of Learners (RCL), SGB, and the majority of teachers, to ensure teaching and learning continues.
Two curator principals have also been appointed to manage the school. They are currently guiding the school catch-up programme and support to learners. A winter matric support programme will be activated with full support of the district office.
