School rigs CCTV system, vets staff in wake of abuse scandal
● Installing cameras in 48 classrooms, vetting staff and restricting access to boys’ rooms in the hostel. These are some of the measures Parktown Boys’ High has implemented since the 2016 arrest of an assistant water polo coach on charges of abusing or raping more than 30 boys at the Johannesburg school.
Now all eyes turn to the new principal, Malcolm Williams, who will take up his position on August 6.
Jim Pooley, chairman of the school’s governing body, confirmed that the school installed cameras in classrooms, laboratories and hallways last month. It is leasing the equipment at a cost of R400 000 for three years. Cameras were previously installed in the hostel.
The names of teaching, administrative, security and grounds staff were checked against the National Register for Sex Offenders and found to be clear. This will be done every 24 months.
Williams, who will take over from acting principal Kevin Stippel, is CEO and head of the senior school at the International School of South Africa in Mahikeng in North West.
The previous principal, Derek Bradley, took up a post at Woodridge College in the Eastern Cape.
The trial of the assistant water polo coach is set to begin on July 30.
Meanwhile in a separate issue involving Parktown Boys’ High, Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi, who visited the school on Friday, said four teachers there had earlier this year allegedly used racially inappropriate language.
Two teachers had been dismissed.
The other two were supposed to attend a pre-hearing related to their disciplinary charges on May 30, but it did not proceed as pupils who were witnesses were not present. The pupils’ parents “are still consulting their lawyers”.
He said the department was also aware of a criminal case against a teacher who allegedly slapped one of the pupils in March.
“The educator is still at the school and is undergoing a disciplinary process. The outcome will determine the action to be taken,” he said.
To “uplift the morale” of pupils and teachers before exams, the school held a team-building day last week.
The school will also be hosting a boys’ school conference that will explore the changing role of young men in society and how they handle new expectations.
Pooley said the newly elected governing body regarded the review of the school’s code of conduct as a priority.
He said a full-time counsellor had been appointed by the school to assist pupils.
Williams said in an e-mail that he was “immensely proud” to have been appointed.