Call for allegations surrounding Westridge High to be investigated

THE Democratic Alliance (DA) has approached the KZN MEC for Education over allegations of sexual assault, corporal punishment and a general unsafe environment at Westridge High School in Mayville.

This comes after teaching and learning was halted at the school last week amid allegations of misconduct.

Dr Imran Keeka, MPL, DA KZN Spokesperson on Education, said the issues had been reported to the Department of Education but that no action had been taken.

He had subsequently written to the MEC, Kwazi Mshengu imploring him to give the matter imminent attention.

He said the issues had been raised with the former MEC for education, with Kwazi Mshengu, the previous portfolio committee and the current education portfolio chairperson, but despite this, there was no desire shown to investigate the ongoing allegations at this school and to hold anyone accountable.

ALSO READ: School tight-lipped over alleged assault

“The several and egregious allegations of matters ranging from corporal punishment, of an unsafe environment and even sexual assault, among others, are not unknown to people and alleged victims. These need to be looked into, engaging both with complainants, the senior management and school governing body. I was informed through conversations with Rishigen Viranna, MPL, who was the DA member of the previous education portfolio committee and who had visited this school, that all attempts to have the allegations, some old and some recent, tested, has not been advanced. Whether this is the case is a matter for the MEC to urgently establish,” he said.

Keeka said the Human Rights Commission was meant to visit the school on Monday, however the visit had been cancelled.

“I implore the MEC to give this his imminent attention and to either confirm what has been alleged or to dispel untruths through due and proper process. I hope to be reassured that there will be no delay in invoking his authority in getting to the bottom of matters,” he said.

Muzi Mahlambi, KZN Department of Education spokesperson, said the allegations were being handled by the department.

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