Isaacs takes WCED fight to labour council
EMBATTLED South Peninsula High School principal Brian Isaacs is fighting a decision by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to suspend him six months ago as he awaits a decision by Education MEC Debbie Schäfer on whether he will be dismissed
In March, the Cape Argus reported Isaacs, who was already at the centre of two disciplinary hearings, had been suspended with immediate effect.
A letter to the principal read: “Your suspension is a precautionary measure and does not form part of any sanction against you.”
Isaacs told the Cape Argus he has turned to the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) to oppose the department’s decision to suspend him.
“The reasons they have given (for the suspension) are not substantial.”
He said a disciplinary hearing against him should have been concluded within one month of his suspension.
Isaacs, who is being represented by advocate Norman Arendse SC, said the matter before the ELRC was postponed yesterday to September 23.
Isaacs is also still awaiting the MEC’s decision after he lodged appeals following two separate disciplinary hearings where the presiding officers had recommended his dismissal.
He had been found guilty of charges ranging from disrespect or abusive or insolent behaviour towards officials to assaulting a pupil.
Meanwhile, Schäfer’s spokeswoman, Jessica Shelver, said a decision on the appeal brought by Isaacs following the first disciplinary hearing was imminent.
She confirmed he had lodged a case with the ELRC regarding his suspension.
Enrico Marinus, chairman of the South Peninsula Community Support Committee, said after six months the school community still had no answers.
WCED spokesman Paddy Attwell, said: “We can confirm the department has not entered into discussion with any party concerning Mr Isaacs, while his appeal is pending. The matter is sub judice.”
He said the circuit manager had been in constant contact with the school over the past few months.