Edu Dept expels HPP Mokopane learner for violating code of conduct
Kamogelo Kekana is now a former learner of Hoërskool Piet Potgieter after a decision made by the Department of Education.
MOKOPANE – Kekana was accused of possession of drugs on the school premises, which led to his subsequent suspension. Earlier, he had approached the Polokwane High Court after the initial suspension for allegedly selling dagga muffins on the school premises.
Last year, he had also approached the court in a case relating to the school’s hair policy.
The court order in this case, made final on 23 November, stated that the school and Principal, Jimmy Steele, had to reinstate Kekana pending a decision of the Head of Department of the Department of Basic Education.
The school and Steele were also interdicted and prohibited from discriminating, victimising and harassing Kekana emotionally, physically and otherwise. The school was ordered to pay the costs of the application, including reserved costs of 12 October and preliminary costs, on a party and party scale.
A decision in the drugs case was however finalised by the Department of Education and a document was signed on 14 January which stated that Kekana had to be expelled for violating the code of conduct.
https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/286144/hpp-mokopane-learner-back-school-following-suspension-row/
Jimmy Steele, School Principal spoke to Bosveld.
“The document landed on my table on 17 January after which I notified the governing body.
“We tried contacting the learner’s guardian and myself and a member of the governing body drove to Marble Hall on 21 January, to let her sign the document that we had, to hand over to the learner.”
He said Kekana’s guardian declined to state her relationship to him when asked for this information.
She signed the document.
“I handed over the expulsion letter to the boy the same day and we accepted that he will obey the outcome. He was then back at school on 23 January. We notified the department and got an interim protection order from the magistrate’s court to prohibit him from entering the premises. We called the Mokopane SAPS to remove him from the premises, but they did not. According to them, the guardian first had to sign the order. This did not come to light and on 29 January the Sheriff of Groblersdal notified the guardian. On Wednesday, 30 January, the learner was no longer at the school.”
Kekana’s advocate, Mphafolane Koma, indicated to Bosveld that he was not happy with the decision of the department.
“I do not agree with the allegations and accusations made against my minor client. It is not in line with the law.
“I am in possession of documents from the SAPS, but there is no concrete evidence by an expert. I will take the matter further in the High Court.”
