Durban — The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has suspended Grosvenor Girls’ High School acting principal, who is the deputy principal, Mrs Birjraj, more than a week after an investigation by an independent panel found that racism at Grosvenor Girls High School is systematic, structural and that white authority dominates all facets at the school.
The panel also found that racism is normalised and that it is second nature at this school, that black people who are pupils and employees at the school suffer in an atmosphere of being suppressed, oppressed and of being voiceless.
In a statement, the department said the suspension derives from the backdrop of the recommendations made by the independent panel that investigated the allegations of racism and financial mismanagement at the school.
“We are implementing the recommendations of the Independent Panel fully. We hope the findings and the recommendations thereof will become our point of reference for our education system,” said department head Nkosinathi Ngcobo.
The panel was led by Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo (SC) and included Advocate Makhosini Nkosi, who is the evidence leader, Dr Nontobeko Buthelezi, who is an educational psychologist, Jackie Pretorius-Bishop and the secretariat was provided by SD Moloi Attorneys.
Based on the findings, the panel recommended that:
- The department immediately intervenes and review all appointments made by the principal as well as the contracts she signed with the affected employees.
- In the instance of all employees who are found to have been employed without meeting basic requirements and any other specific requirements for the post, their services should be considered for immediate termination.
- The service agreement between the school governing body and Ms Soomaroo should be terminated with immediate effect.
- Similarly, the irregular re-employment of Mrs Gertze should be terminated with immediate effect.
- The principal and Mrs Brijraj should be held liable for all funds paid to any employee who would be found to have been employed into a position without meeting basic requirements; and
- The principal must be charged with misconduct for infractions relating to racism, irregular appointments of employees and financial irregularities.
When releasing the findings of the investigation, Education MEC Kwazi Mshengu said: “The report leaves no room for doubt that its findings and recommendations are based on credible and verifiable evidence tendered by various people. In this situation, I have decided to accept all the recommendations given by the panel and have referred the report to the HOD for implementation. I have also directed legal services to lay a complaint against the principal with the Human Rights Commission.”
Daily News