Parents of Mountain View High School disrupted the exams by blocking the entrance on November 14. The parents indicated that they have long standing grievances which were not addressed by the district. A group formed at the gate, making it impossible for teachers and learners to enter. According to the memorandum of demands, teachers do not do their work and attend class when they feel like it.
There is no budget allocated to run the school and a lack of proper financial records was also stressed. The parents demanded that the principal and teachers (who do not do their job) be removed with immediate effect.
They further demanded that the current School Governing Body be removed.
”We appeal to parents not to disrupt schooling, especially during this critical time of examinations,” said Panyaza Lesufi (Gauteng: MEC for Education).
According to Steve Mabona, Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson, they were not aware of problems concerning the principal and teachers. The SGB get trained to identify problems in the school.
“We have acknowledged the issues raised and have committed to respond to this matter by 20 November,” Mabona said.
Mr Steven Nel (principal of Mountain View) had to accompany the Grade 12 learners (who wrote Economics on the day) along with officials to another venue where they could write their exams.
Mike Mokonane (Sedibeng-East: Director of Education) expressed his dissatisfaction on the matter. ”It is very irresponsible of the parents to disrupt schooling at this time of year, especially when Grade 12 learners are busy with their final exams at the end of their schooling career. The timing of these protests and disruptions are uncalled for,” Mokonane said.
