Department says allegations against principal were investigated
This, after parents protested outside Westville Senior Primary School on Friday morning, demanding answers after the principal, who had been suspended, resumed duties.
The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Education (DoE) has said that two independent investigations surrounding allegations involving the Westville Senior Primary School principal were conducted.
The DoE addressed the issue after some angry parents gathered outside the school on Friday morning in protest, demanding answers after the principal resumed his duties following a suspension.
In a statement issued on Saturday (24 May), the DoE said it sought to clarify misconceptions that it had not taken any action after concerns were raised by the Educators’ Support Group (ESGP) and submissions were made by the school’s educators.
“These processes were undertaken in accordance with departmental procedures to ensure fairness and objectivity,” reads the DoE’s statement.
The DoE clarified that the principal had been placed under precautionary suspension as part of protocol while the investigations were underway and that, after the completion of the review process, the principal returned to work.
Also read: Watch: Westville parents protest against principal
“The department remains committed to upholding due process while ensuring that every concern raised is treated with respect to the rule of law and the seriousness it deserves,” reads the DoE’s statement.
In the statement, KZN MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, assured parents that the department takes all allegations seriously, in particular those that affect the well-being of learners and educators.
“The department is committed to addressing every matter thoroughly, without fear or favour. We encourage anyone with further credible information to come forward. Our responsibility is to ensure that every school operates in an environment of safety, accountability, and integrity,” said Hlomuka.
The department said it will continue to monitor the situation at the primary school and remains open to re-evaluating the matter should new developments arise.
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