Cape Town – Calm has been restored in Sokhanyo Primary School in Gugulethu after protests and disruptions by disgruntled parents, the school governing body (SGB) and some teachers.
Classes were disrupted when parents refused to send their children to school. Some pupils were turned away at the school.
This came after the group held a demonstration inside the premises, calling for the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to dismiss the “incompetent” principal. Among the issues was that the principal had moved the Foundation Phase teachers from their original classrooms.
Grade 1 pupils were placed with the Grade 5 class and the principal allegedly assaulted a female teacher.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said some teachers refused to teach because of the changes to classes by the principal.
“The three teachers who refused to move remain in their old classrooms for now, while the principal arranges that the classrooms are painted.
“On Thursday, a meeting was held with parent representatives, the principal and teachers. SAPS and Safe schools were present. Parents were requested to draft a letter to indicate their concerns.
“There was a meeting with the SGB and district officials on Monday and there will be a report back to parent representatives on Wednesday (today).”
Hammond said an investigation into the assault claims and other grievances was under way.
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said Gugulethu police were also investigating an assault case.
No one has been arrested.
“Although the WCED believes the principals version that the teachers and SGB were consulted before the changes were made, as parents we believe the teachers and cannot allow our children to be taught in overcrowded classes and mixed with other grades,” parent Phamela Mahashi said.