Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, Matome Chiloane, will release the independent investigative report concerning alleged racism in the Pretoria High School for Girls on Monday, 4 November.
The investigation sought to ascertain concerns from various stakeholders about a potential culture of racism within the institution.
CALL FOR PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS PRINCIPAL TO BE REINSTATED
The South African previously reported that the independent probe was launched after 12 learners were suspended for alleged racism. Due to a lack of solid evidence, the learners were cleared of wrongdoing following a disciplinary hearing. Despite this outcome, the principal, Phillipa Erasmus, was suspended.
On Friday, 1 November, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng called for the school principal’s immediate reinstatement.
The party accused Chiloane of showing blatant disregard for the due process of South African law that they should be upholding as principal Erasmus’ suspension has continued days after she should have returned to work.
“The three-month suspension has lapsed, and the department has failed to provide formal feedback or a charge sheet detailing the allegations against her.
“This flagrant abuse of power has placed an unnecessary emotional and professional burden on Mrs. Erasmus and her deputy, Mrs Schoombie. Furthermore, this action has undermined the laws meant to uphold and ensure transparency and accountability within the Gauteng education system,” DA Gauteng shadow MEC for Education Isa Dos Santos said.
Further, Dos Santos said Chiloane and the department have dismally failed in their obligations to ensure procedural requirements are met and safeguard educators’ rights.
“The MEC and GDE have rather chosen to circumvent their legal obligations and decided to continue this sham investigation indefinitely. The GDE’s failure to act within the lawful timeframe smacks of contempt and is unacceptable,” he added.
DO YOU THINK PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS PRINCIPAL WILL BE REINSTATED?
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