Mr Richard Oskin Usinga is the new face of Witbank High School; this was made official when he occupied the office on August 13.
He has been roped in to interim assist Witbank High School to focus on its core business which is teaching and learning and its corporate. He is currently managing two schools Kopanang Secondary School and Witbank High School.
His temporary appointment at Witbank High School follows a huge knock that the school took when learners of the school embarked on a strike for two days which was on August 3 and 4 where an electric gate motor of the main gate and dustbins were burned and again on August 7 where they burnt a toilet, bins and tyres demanding a new principal.
The learners alleged that the school had a smoking area approved by the principal and that all grades failed their June exams, they further stated that in Grade eight only eight pupils allegedly passed. He says coming to Witbank High was not an easy move but he believes we are one community and as a result he could not stand and watch learners be involved in such situation.
With only three days in his office he has implemented several systems like the card movement system, the everyday homework campaign, learners are not allowed to wear weaves, no cell-phones allowed at school, proposed the 30% of learners to be part of the national nutrition programme to the Department and a new time system where pupils will now knock off at 16:00 while Matric students will follow at 20:00. “We have wasted time where learning was compromised as a result we had to come up with a strategy which would be able to cover time. To make sure our Grade 12 learners are amongst the best students in Emalahleni we will have a camp starting the second week of October until the end of exam period,” said Usinga.
As proof that the school is moving towards the right direction he called for a parents meeting that took place on August 17.
“The parent’s response was very overwhelming and they are willing to work with me and teachers hand in hand to turn the school around to what it was known for before in the province. I aim to retrieve that,” said an eager Usinga.
His reputation speaks for himself as Kopanang Secondary won best eMalahleni circuits township school last year by obtaining 91% pass rate for their matric results in 2014 academic year under his leadership. He describes himself as a man of action.
“I am not scared of competition. I am here to compete with other schools, this school has proper infrastructures and resources in which I have no doubt I would be able to achieve my goals,” said Usinga.
He also adds that the school still has problematic learners who abuse drugs but the school together with parents and police are working closely to combat the problem.
Chairperson of the School Governing Body Mr Manase Mlotshwa testified to Usinga’s words saying the school is once again providing quality learning and teaching. “We as parents are delighted about the changes; the extra classes are a perfect idea to make up for the lost time. The principal and educators are working as a team,” said Mlotshwa.
Future plans that the principal has up his sleeve is that of a rumour that the school admits under performing learners from Primary Schools as they have no where else to go. He says all that is going to change; he will be strict on admission.
“All these new code of conducts are being jotted down and implemented so that learners can enjoy being learners with no interference,” concluded Usinga.
“The Department wishes to take this opportunity to thank the community of Emalahleni Local Municipality in particular the two schools ( Kopanang Secondary School and Witbank High School ) for the space to implement these interim measures. It is our view that there will be positive results only if we work together,” said Jasper Zwane, Mpumalanga’s Education spokesperson.
He also added that the Department is currently accelerating efforts to fill in the vacant principal’s post that has already been advertised in Witbank High School.
Mr Hamilton Tjatji is back being the Deputy Principal of the school.
