The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is demanding the immediate reinstatement of the principal for Pretoria High School for Girls. The MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, and the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) continue to show blatant disregard for the due process of South African law that they should be upholding. The principal of Pretoria High School for Girls, Mrs Erasmus’ suspension, continues, five days after she should have returned to work.
The three-month suspension has lapsed, and the department has failed to provide any formal feedback or even 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 very laws that are meant to uphold and ensure transparency and accountability within the Gauteng education system.
According to the Employment of Educators Act, an educator’s suspension should not exceed three months without a disciplinary hearing concluding within that period. In addition, the Act explicitly requires that any educator accused of misconduct be provided with a clear, detailed charge sheet, allowing them the right to defend themselves. The Act further prevents arbitrary actions by the employer and ensures fair treatment. The Disciplinary Code and Procedures for Educators under Schedule 2, Section 2(b) of the Employment of Educators Act, emphasises that “discipline must be applied in a prompt, fair, consistent, and just manner.”
The MEC 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.
I have formally written to the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, requesting immediate intervention to address this matter, which must include a thorough review of the entire actions of the GDE, including the MEC, Mr. Nkadimeng, and Mr. Kgomo, for their roles in this process and misuse of authority.
The MEC and department must end this sham investigation immediately. The MEC and department must provide an explanation for its utter disregard of due process. Their silence on this matter speaks volumes, and it is time for them to be held accountable for their actions.
The MEC and department’s actions are a breach of Mrs Erasmus and Mrs Schoombie’s rights and have a broader effect on learners and educators at Pretoria High School for Girls. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng will continue to fight against any injustice.