Klipspruit teachers back at school

The group of black teachers from Klipspruit West Secondary School in Eldorado Park who faced protesters who wanted them removed from what they deemed a “coloured school” last year were back at work on Monday‚ preparing for the year ahead.

Sowetan’s sister publication, TimesLIVE spoke to one of the teachers who said they had certain fears about going back to the school.

“The worry is that there is no security at the moment. Last year‚ there was security which was organised by the MEC [Panyaza Lesufi]‚” said the teacher who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“What we have learnt is that there were meetings [during the school holidays] from the same people who didn’t want us last year‚” the teacher said.

Last year‚ the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) set up an inquiry into the school’s issues after community members locked the gates of the school in protest against the employment of a black principal at the school.

They also made accusations of financial mismanagement at the school.

There was an uproar against five black teachers who besides allegedly insulting pupils‚ were also accused of bunking classes.

Civil group Patriots of Equality was reportedly at the forefront of the action.

The school is currently operating with an acting principal at the helm‚ appointed by Lesufi.

“Things won’t be normal until a principal is appointed‚” the teacher said.

SAHRC spokeswoman Gail Smith said in an e-mail that the report was yet to be finalised and she did not know when it would be available.