Tlhwahalang Secondary School closed for second day

PARENTS want learning and teaching to resume at Tlhwahalang Secondary School in Jan Kempdorp after the gates were closed on Monday.

They pointed out that the Northern Cape Department of Education’s decision to shut the school was jeopardising the pupils’ futures.

“There have been no classes since Monday … and what about the Grade 12 pupils who are missing out on valuable lessons? Their future is at stake. No one informed the parents and the pupils were left standing outside the premises.”

The parents are demanding the appointment of the deputy principal who was elected by the school governing body (SGB).

“There are some teachers who are insisting that he is not appointed and attempts were made to appoint him at another school.”

According to a message that was addressed to the chairperson of the SGB, the HOD for the Department of Education, Moira Marais-Martin, pointed out that teachers were forcibly removed from the school premises without due processes being followed.

“Despite my efforts to find alternative spaces this is not so easy, especially given the fact that no formal charges were laid against the teachers concerned regarding any charges of misconduct on their side. We are still in the process of talking to all the parties involved.”

She indicated that due to the volatile nature of the situation at the school and threats that were made by parents, it was decided to keep the school closed in the interests of the safety of staff and pupils.

“Myself and the MEC were hoping to meet with the SGB and parents, but were advised that the situation is very volatile.”

She added that she was threatened and screamed at during her last visit to the school.

“I know that parents might not be happy but I was never disrespectful to anybody while engaging in meetings but had to endure much disrespect, which I did for the sake of peace at the school.

“Right now I have to act in the interest of the safety of all employees and pupils. I am praying that the situation will be calmed down by yourself and SGB members as responsible community leaders, and in the interest of all learners. I am once again pleading that we continue to talk and allow learning and teaching to continue.”

Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe said on Tuesday that they were extremely concerned about the situation at Tlhwahalang Secondary School.

“Chaos erupted on Monday when five educators were forcefully removed from class by some members of the school governing body and community.

“Therefore, the head of the department, on receiving reports from departmental officials and the police, decided to close the school for the safety of learners, educators, and support staff.

“Our district office and the head of the department have engaged the concerned members of the community and SGB on two previous occasions to try and find amicable solutions to their demands concerning the filling of a deputy principal post and the removal of specifically mentioned teachers.”

He added that it was unfortunate that a number of accusations, counter-accusations and threats continued to be exchanged, where the environment was not conducive for learning and teaching.

“Unfortunately, with all the efforts undertaken, no middle ground has yet been found till now and the community remains adamant on their demands.

“The department hopes that the situation can return back to normal as soon as possible, in order for learning and teaching to continue in a safe and conducive environment.”

Van der Merwe stated that the department would further engage and deliberate on this matter with the community until a workable solution was found.