Parents from Isolomzi Senior Secondary School in Centane, concerned that learning and teaching have not taken place at the school this year, staged a sit-in at the department of education’s offices in Butterworth on Monday.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Nokulunga Noganta said the principal was chased out of the school by the community.
“The principal was accused of selling the community land for the building of the boarding school, of which there is no evidence.
“We have been called to a meeting as parents and we find out there is nothing tangible, and ever since [2018 when the principal was chased away], our children have not been safe at school,” said Noganta.
She said the district director was aware of the matter, but had still not communicated with the parents.
“In January, our children decided they felt unsafe to be at school without their principal. They told us they were scared to be there. They want their principal back but it was not safe for him to go back.
“The district director promised to sort out everything before school commenced, but to our surprise, he put the principal on immediate leave.”
Noganta said the district director had promised to enrol the pupils at alternative schools, but they were told last week most schools in the area were full and no admissions would be done.
“We stood up as parents just to show how concerned we are about the future of our children. They are worried and some are here with us while others are still at home,” said Noganta.
Provincial education spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima confirmed that officials from head office met with the parents on Monday, but could not say whether the principal would be reinstated or if alternative schools had been secured for pupils.
“The most important thing is that children must be provided with an education, but we have advised the parents to elect a team that will meet with heads of the department in a more structured manner to discuss the way forward,” said Mtima...