WATCH: Harties principal removed temporarily
Gauteng Department Education said a decision was made to remove the principal from the school temporarily after parents and educators had raised issues about the headmaster mismanaging school funds.
The Hartzstraat Primary School principal will temporarily not report for duty at the school, but instead at the Gauteng West District Education Department office, pending the investigation into allegations against him.
Also read: ‘Harties no Place for Thieves’: Toekies community outraged as principal returns from suspension
According to Morwesi Sole, Gauteng Department Education (GDE) community liaison officer, a decision was made on Tuesday March 8 to remove the principal from the school temporarily after parents and educators had raised issues about the headmaster mismanaging school funds.
On Tuesday March 1 picketing Toekomsrus residents burnt tyres outside the school premises and blocked the roads leading to the school with rocks and logs to give the principal who was returning from his three-month suspension a cold welcome.
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A meeting that was held on Sunday March 6 ended abruptly after parents, the school governing body (SGB) and representatives of the Gauteng Department of Education failed to reach an agreement as to whether the principal should be reinstated or removed completely.
According to Randfontein Police spokesperson Sergeant Carmen Hendricks no property was damaged during the incident.
There were no injuries, and the crowd simply dispersed,” Sergeant Hendricks said.
Sole told the Herald that among the issues against the principal was that his punishment was a mere ‘slap on the wrist’ and not harsh enough.
During the unrest lessons at Hartzstraat Primary School were interrupted with learners missing school for two days (Friday 4 and Monday 7).
“Only a few of them were there today (Tuesday 8 March). We’ve had to ask the parents to bring learners to the school and we believe lessons will resume again on Wednesday.
There’s an investigation at the moment; in the meantime the principal will be reporting to the District until the allegations against him are finalised,” Sole said.
