Parents demand axing of principal

PARENTS of pupils at Shakaskraal Primary have shut down the premises, demanding the principal be removed after a 5-year-old girl was allegedly raped at the school.

The incident was believed to have taken place in June, just before the end of term.

Parents alleged that there had been inaction on the part of the principal and are also calling for the school governing body (SGB) to be sacked and a new election take place.

It is alleged the Grade R pupil had been waiting for her transport when two 12-year-old pupils from the same school forced her into the toilets and raped her.

Enraged parents and community members blocked the entrance of the 91-year-old school on Monday, asking for their demands to be addressed. They burnt tyres and trees outside the school.

In a memorandum handed to the Department of Education’s circuit manager, the community alleged there was continued instability at the school. “There is an alarming drop in the standard of teaching and learning. There is continued ill-treatment of children who are asked to sit on the floor outside class as punishment for minor offences. There are also repeated instances of corporal punishment and verbal abuse,” read the memorandum.

It stated the school’s management had been ignoring requests to meet the community to discuss the rape.

The school had also not been holding mandatory parent meetings for the past few years, said the memorandum.

Community youth leader, Blessing Mhlongo said they demanded a permanent principal be employed and the post be advertised. The current principal has been in an acting position for four years.

The memorandum stated that if the department did not meet the community immediately to address their demands, parents would continue with protest action this week.

“People are tired and they want answers. If we do not get these answers, the disruption will continue. We want heard,” said Mhlongo.

Chairperson of the SGB, Allarese Gwamanda said she was unaware of the concerns raised by parents. She wouldn’t comment further.

KZN department spokesperson Sihle Mlotshwa said: “We are calling for calm. The alleged rape matter is with SAPS and we are also doing our own investigation. What is unfortunate is that we had been unable to enter the premises this week because of the unrest,” said Mlotshwa.

He requested parents have confidence in the police and trust the department to investigate. “They should give us an opportunity to be thorough when investigaing.” to be