MBOMBELA – The DA party called on the education department to close Cefups Academy. DA Provincial leader Mr Anthony Benadie said on Wednesday that although they acknowledged the steps that were taken by the MEC for Education Ms Reginah Mhaule, the closing of the school should be non-negotiable.
“At this time it is imperative that the investigative report and its findings into the happenings at this school be made public. It is in the best interest of the public, students and parents that the contents of the investigation be made known.
He said with reference to the above, it must also be made known, if the investigative report and its findings have been made available to the Cefups principal, Mr Simon Mkhatshwa or any of his representatives.
“Given that the department has given Mkhatshwa 30 days to submit his motivation as to why his school must not be closed, access to the investigative report could directly influence the contents of his report and motivation to remain open. “
Benadie stated that the school had been plagued by incidents of corporal punishment which led to the unnecessary death of a pupil.
“Considering that MEC Mhaule gazetted regulations as far back as January 2013 enabling her to intervene in independent schools, like this one, it begs the question: Why has it taken the MEC so long to act on the matter?”.
According to Benadie, the happenings at Cefups had no place in a democratic society.
“ The school has reached the end of its line and must be closed.”
Benadie concluded that they called on the MEC to ensure that full co-operation is given to the SAPS to ensure that all guilty persons face the full might of the law.
