Wattville principal reinstated after viral corporal punishment video

Ephes Mamkeli Secondary School principal Jacob Riba has been reinstated after being placed on precautionary transfer for two weeks.

This comes after footage of him administering corporal punishment on a Grade 12 boy learner made rounds on social media.

Some parents and a few community members came to the principal’s defence following a staged protest outside the school on September 8, calling for the return of the suspended principal.

Speaking to one of the parents, Beaty Kgoadi said they were devastated to hear that Riba was removed from the school.

“While growing up we were also disciplined by our teachers and principals harshly but we never ran to the district to complain. We won’t rest until Riba is back at this school,” said Kgoadi.

Zanele Simelane, who is part of the school’s feeding scheme, said the learners have been unruly and corrupt following the principal’s suspension.

“On Spring Day they threw water and food at us and teachers. Some of the learners have been coming late to school, smoking during school hours, and wearing hats and short skirts. Things have changed drastically in this school,” said Simelane.

While parents gathered in numbers outside the school, behind closed doors the school governing body and district officials held a special meeting to discuss a way forward.
It was then decided that Riba should be reinstated during a meeting on  September 10.

Gauteng Education
According to the Gauteng Education Spokesperson Steve Mabona, the report at their disposal reveals that there is a video that circulated on social media whereby the principal allegedly administered corporal punishment on a Grade 12 boy learner, a 22-year-old who was found touching a Grade Eight female learner (14) inappropriately.

“Consequently, the principal was placed on precautionary transfer pending investigation. However, the parents and the community of the said school were not happy with the removal of the principal. The investigations were concluded at a school level and the principal was informed to report back to school on September 11.

“The parents and the community of the said school were protesting for the principal to be returned to the school.”

Mabona said the decision was taken to stabilise the situation at the school while disciplinary proceedings are continuing. Moreover, the investigations at the school have been concluded and awaiting the outcome from the presiding officer.

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