Durban — The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is adamant that the new Grosvenor Girls’ High School acting principal is going to bring the needed change at the school.
The department has appointed Kathy Fredricks as acting principal. This came after the suspension of the deputy principal (who was acting principal) two weeks ago, following allegations of racism and financial mismanagement in the school.
An independent panel, appointed by KZN Education MEC Kwazi Mshengu, investigated these allegations, and also found charges of nepotism and dehumanisation, among other things.
The probe was instituted after a group of pupils took to the streets to protest, demanding that the deputy principal be removed from office.
The panel found that white authority dominated in the school, and that not only did the pupils suffer, but some staff members were also affected.
The panel was led by advocate Vusi Khuzwayo, SC, and included advocate Makhosini Nkosi, the evidence leader; Dr Nontobeko Buthelezi, an educational psychologist; and attorney Jackie Pretorius-Bishop. The secretariat was provided by SD Moloi Attorneys.
The panel found that racism was normalised and was second nature at the school.
They also found that black pupils and employees at the school suffered in an atmosphere of being suppressed, oppressed and voiceless.
“The contracts of the SGB employees who were found guilty of fraudulently being employed are being reviewed,” the department said.
Department spokesperson Kwazi Mthethwa said they believed the appointment of Fredricks was the change the school needed at the moment.
“The acting principal of Grosvenor Girls’ High School is going to bring stability to the school. We are confident that she’s equal to the task,” said Mthethwa.
The department said they saw fit to choose a deputy principal within the circuit, as Fredericks was a deputy principal from Durban Girls’ High School. The department said they would also be receiving assistance from the principal of Durban Girls; High School.
“The South African Council of Educators is going to be assisting with social cohesion programmes, which are set to work in restoring order and peace within the school. Other recommendations are a work in progress.”
Daily News