UPDATE: Everest Academy cleared of 2022 allegations, looks to future

Everest Academy, a school that was once the topic of various allegations, was not found to have done anything wrong following a 2022 investigation by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE).

Teachers Jackie Davies, Nicci Isebeck, Ilse Petrick and Wilco Mostert have recently contacted Rekord with an update on the matter, indicating that the school and principal, Elizabeth Jacobs, has been cleared of all wrongdoing.

The allegations have, however, had a impact on the school, its teachers and its learners, and its passionate group of teachers wish to set the record straight. Having put this challenge behind them, the school now wants to continue focusing on its learners, whom teachers say remain the focus of their small class and individual-attention approach.

While not registered as a special needs school, Everest Academy’s individualised and alternative approach allows them to take in students who struggle in the traditional education system.

“This is a happy school dealing with many challenges and individuals in a loving and humane way,” said Davies in an e-mail to Rekord. The students and parent body, she said, is happy and devoted to the school and its teachers.

In 2022, Rekord reported that the police were investigation allegations of fraud and assault relating to the school. Following correspondence from the school’s teachers, Rekord has confirmed with the police that the case had been withdrawn. This means that there are no criminal allegations whatsoever facing the school.

At the time of publication, the allegations made by former student Connor Naudé were part of a criminal investigation he no longer seeks to pursue. He reported that he was part of a group of senior learners who punished others, allegedly at the instruction of principal Elizabeth Jacobs. Jacobs strongly denied all allegations at the time.

Naudé’s allegations included having to do physical exercises and clean toilets as publishment for wrongdoing. While Jacobs described the allegations as “false and defamatory” at the time, she declined to elaborate.

Other allegations by parents and a former teacher related to what they called the school’s “poor quality education”. At the time, these allegations were denied by the principal. She indicated that the school “reserved the right to reply fully at the appropriate forum and time, should it be necessary in the future.” These allegations were also denied by the group of teachers that contacted Rekrod, and resultant investigations have confirmed no wrongdoing or lack on the part of the school.

Lastly, allegations that the school was not appropriately registered, have been declared unfounded following departmental investigation. GDE spokesperson, Steve Mabona, said that the school’s registration has been valid at all times. He added that, as per relevant laws and regulations, the school is governed by a board of directors.

• This article has been amended upon Rekord’s receiving information related to the GDE investigation outcome and the withdrawal of the SAPS case. Accordingly, the previous version has been retracted and its gist repeated above for context.

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