Misunderstanding on ‘fired teachers’
Upon investigation, the COURIER established that it was not teachers who were relieved from their posts but individuals who had been inducted into the SGB learnership programme.
A GROUP of parents of Meredale Primary School learners contacted the COURIER claiming the school’s school governing body (SGB) had fired seven teachers at the end of November.
“The school governing body of Meredale Primary School fired seven of our best teachers without consent from the parents. When asked what’s happening, they intimidated us,” said one parent who does not want to be named.
Upon investigation, the COURIER established that it was not teachers who were relieved from their posts but individuals who had been inducted into the SGB learnership programme.
Gauteng Department of Education’s spokesperson, Phumla Sekhonyane, stated that the SGB of Meredale Primary School did not fire seven educators. “There were six individuals (not educators) at the school who were on a SGB learnership programme as well as a 76-year-old retired educator. They were all on a three month contract. Their contracts came to an end at the end of this month and the SGB of the school has decided not to renew their contracts based on financial reasons. It is the prerogative of the SGB to decide whether to renew the contracts or not. We believe that the SGB has not acted illegally in doing so.”
