PARENTS of learners attending Opelweg Primary School in Eden Park took to the streets on August 20 to strike in defence of the principal, Roger John.
The parents believe there is a plot to have the principal removed and is unhappy about this development as they believe he has only been good for the school.
Chants of “we have our principal” accompanied signs proclaiming they want him to stay. Tyres were burned in front of the school. This forced the school to close its doors.
The children of Opelweg have been moved to a nearby privately owned field for their safety where they are being watched over by teachers and the principal.
President of the school governing body (SGB) of Opelweg Jerome Sylvester spoke to the RECORD regarding the happenings at the school. According to him, there is an element of the educating body of the school that wants the principal to step down so that they can become principal. Sylvester said the SGB has contacted the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) numerous times to resolve the situation.
“The last email sent to the department proclaimed the hostile nature of the interaction between the principal and the teachers in question. This email had community members copied in which may have led to the protest action currently underway,” he explained.
Roger John, the principal of the school, did not give comment to the RECORD.
Members from the GDE were not available at the school to give comment about the situation. An email has been sent to the department requesting comment.
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