Protesting parents agree to re-open Wentworth school for third term

Outraged by the appointment of an ‘underqualified’ principal, the parents had shut down the school this week, not allowing learning to commence for the third term.

On Wednesday afternoon, 26 July, the education department’s district director of the Umlazi district Bheki Ntuli met with the protesting parents and school governing body.

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They have agreed to open the school while the education department investigates. The current acting principal will continue to run the school.The parents locked down the building, putting learning on hold until their voices were heard.

“She does not have any proper management skills. She’s been a teacher for 18 years and an acting HOD for four months. Compare this to the rightful candidate for principal of Assegai Primary who is the deputy, Odetta Abraham-Field. Odette has been the deputy principal of this school for 24 years, HOD for 10 years and acting principal for two years. Is she not qualified enough for this position?” questioned community leader Clint Leverton.

“Unfortunately the children will be affected by this lockdown but it’s a sacrifice that needs to be made in order to ensure our voices are heard,” he said earlier on Wednesday.

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The parents and school governing body (SGB) demonstrated at the education department’s Tudor House offices until they received acknowledgement from the department. SGB chairman, Andre De Bruin said: “We are glad we have received the acknowledgement and an audience from Ntuli but we will be happier when our terms are met. We want the department to put a stay on the appointment while an investigation takes place. While the department of education investigates, the newly appointed principal will not take up office at this school but the school will be opened with immediate effect,” he said.

READ: Protest over principal enters 5th week

Many parents and supporters of the school have spent days protesting and guarding the gates of the school. Parent, Rochelle De Boer said all they want is the best education for the school and their children. “I want to add that this has nothing to do with race as many would believe. It’s about getting the correctly qualified person for this position,” said De Boer.