“This is negatively impacting on teaching and learning. It is further apparent that there is conflict and division among teachers at the school.”
THE HEAD of the Northern Cape Department of Education, Tshepo Pharasi, has withdrawn the functions of the school governing body of Homevale Secondary School as it has apparently been defying the administrator who was appointed to bring stability to the school.
In a letter sent to the school, Pharasi pointed out that the school had breached its “position of trust” when the school was closed on January 15.
“This unlawful conduct is tantamount to not promoting the interests of the school and its pupils. Any person who without just cause prevents a pupil from compulsory attendance at the school is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction of a fine or imprisonment. Not only has the conduct infringed on the pupil’s constitutional right to basic education but the unlawful closure of the school compromised their safety.”
He added that the governing body was hampering the work of the administrator as it was refusing to co-operate with him.
“This is negatively impacting on teaching and learning. It is further apparent that there is conflict and division among teachers at the school. Teachers who were elected to serve their interests on the governing body have withdrawn as representatives of the governing body.”
Pharasi indicated that he had withdrawn the functions of the governing body as all attempts to resolve the matter amicably had proven to be futile.
“This conduct cannot be allowed to continue.”
