The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands that Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, immediately terminate the unjust investigation against Pretoria High School for Girls Principal, Mrs. Erasmus, and her deputy, Mrs. Schoombie, and reinstate both to their positions. The three-month suspension for the principal and deputy principal has ended, but there has been no communication or conclusion regarding the investigations.
The suspension initiated due to allegations of racism involving learners at Pretoria High School for Girls has not only disrupted teaching and learning at the school at a crucial time of the academic year but also raised significant concerns about the fairness and integrity of the GDE’s processes in handling this matter. Pretoria High School for Girls yearns for the return of their principal and deputy principal. Their leadership and dedication are vital to the well-being and success of our learners.
The GDE made a mistake in launching an investigation into Mrs Erasmus. This error not only undermines her credibility but also sends a concerning message: false allegations of racism lead to prompt investigations, while claims of corruption against high-ranking officials in the GDE seem to be addressed much more slowly.
To give a timeline of suspension:
- Mrs Erasmus was placed on suspension on 30 July 2024.
- The GDE requested a quote and appointed Mdladlamba Attorneys dated 8 August 2024.
- Mdladlamba Attorneys was appointed on 12 August 2024.
- Staff and the School Governing Body (SGB) were informed of the investigation on 14 August 2024.
- Mdladlamba Attorneys met with Principal Mrs Erasmus on 22 August 2024 to be briefed on the scope and process.
It is concerning that Mdladlamba Attorneys have not adhered to the terms of reference, which included investigating incidents of racism at the school, the principal’s conduct in handling the matter, and the behaviour of the school management team. According to written responses from MEC Chiloane, the investigation was to conclude within seven days. The MEC further stated that, due to ongoing preliminary examinations at the time, the law firm should pause its efforts. However, the investigation continues to this day. Furthermore, there are also complaints about the trauma experienced by individuals at the school due to intimidation tactics.
The DA demands the following immediate actions from MEC Chiloane and the GDE:
- Immediately terminate the suspension and investigation into the principal, Mrs Erasmus, and allow her to immediately return to her post at PHSG and return stability to the school;
- Immediately reinstate the deputy principal, Mrs Schoombie, to her post at PHSG.
- Immediately terminate the fishing expedition of a sham “investigation” that is currently being undertaken by a law firm that has delayed the investigations, deviated from the terms of reference, and accused of intimidation tactics.
- Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC of Education, Matome Chiloane, to publicly apologise to all 12 learners involved, principal and deputy principal.
- MEC Matome Chiloane must be held personally responsible and must repay the agreed amount for investigations of R360 000.00.
The DA reiterates former President Thabo Mbeki’s recommendation that the GDE urgently call for a school assembly to explain its actions.
This sham of this investigation in the face of serious corruption allegations against senior GDE officials is non-sensical. It is unacceptable to waste resources and time on a baseless investigation against a principal exonerated when all 12 students were found not guilty of the allegations. It would be more prudent to focus on investigating the grave allegations of corruption at the GDE.
A DA government would not have pursued this sham investigation against the principal and her deputy, allowing them to focus on providing much-needed guidance to our learners.
The DA will continue to appeal for sanity to prevail, urging that this investigation be concluded and reinstatements made without further delay. Our learners and teachers deserve to be treated with the respect they merit.