WCED rules by edict, not ‘conscience’

PRINCIPAL of Heathfield High School, Mr Wesley Neumann, has been hauled before a disciplinary hearing by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) for “actions in contravention of the Employment of Educators Act,” according to WCED spokesperson Bronnagh Hammond (Cape Times, October 5).

His crime, in a nutshell, was to heed his conscience and judgement not to open his school for academic operations during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, despite being instructed to do so by his boss, Brian Schreuder, Western Cape head of Education.

The WCED rules by edict. Diktats are issued from above and are expected to be scrupulously followed by the underlings.

In terms of this approach, a good principal is an uncritical conduit via which should flow the unquestioned directives of the WCED leadership to the principal’s school.

Obedience is the watchword. Principals who think and act independently are seen as a threat to the system.

This is a stone-age style of management which takes no account of complexity and context.

Bolstered by his Employment of Educators Act, Brian Schreuder presumes to know more about what is happening “on the ground” than those directly involved and affected.

He shows no respect for, nor empowers, his principals, as this, no doubt threatens him with loss of control. (Ironic that his own boss, Debbie Schäfer, showed scant regard for the rules when extending this same Brian Schreuder’s appointment in his job. Clearly, there are different rules for different people).

The coronavirus pandemic is a crisis of global proportions.

The last thing our schools need is a one-dimensional, leadership-from-above approach from the WCED.

Now, more than ever, a creative, shared-approach to problem-solving is needed, one where the Wesley Neumanns of this world are not treated as puppets, but as highly competent agents in the front lines of the fight against the pandemic.

If this matter goes before any court, one urgently hopes that the presiding officer will see it this way. CHARLES THOMAS | Claremont

RESPONSE: The WCED at all times adhered to the National Directions, as gazetted, which required schools to be open.

Parents were given the opportunity to choose whether they wanted to send their children to school or apply for a concession to stay at home.

This was communicated widely. School governing bodies and principals in the employ of the provincial education department do not have the decision-making powers under law to decide when a school must be open and when it must be closed.

The decision to close a school can only be taken by the Head of Department, in terms of section 16 of SA Schools Act, or by the National Minister under the ambit of national disasters akin to the Covid-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, the WCED worked with health and education experts both nationally and internationally.

We were responsible to ensure access to every learner who chose to attend a school, while at the same time ensuring that all the relevant health and safety protocols were in place.

In an organisation with 40 000 staff members, it is expected that all our staff, including principals, will follow legitimate instructions from their employer.

Anything else will lead to chaos and anarchy within the education space.

Mr Neumann had an opportunity to engage with the Head of Department before disciplinary charges were brought against him.

In fact, every principal was invited to engage with the Head of Department to express their opinion.

Mr Neumann did not take up this offer.

The action being taken against Mr Neumann is in accordance with the law.

The WCED will continue to ensure that the law is fairly and evenly applied in this matter.

BRONAGH HAMMOND | WCED spokesperson