Dismissal of principal upheld

PARKTOWN HIGH: MPIANZI’S PARENTS WELCOME ACTION

Williams initially fired on 18 October after death of pupil but appeals.

Gauteng education spokesman Steve Mabona yesterday confirmed the dismissal of Parktown Boys’ High headmaster Malcolm Williams. Williams was initially dismissed on 18 October after he was found guilty of two counts of misconduct following the death of Enock Mpianzi.

The pupil was unaccounted for after he drowned during an orientation camp at the Nyathi Bush and River Break in Brits this year.

Last month, parents saw red when Williams continued to report for duty after he appealed the ruling shortly after the announcement in October.

The school governing body’s spokeswoman, Kim van As, said the school was notified yesterday that the Gauteng department of education has upheld its decision to dismiss the headmaster.

“We remain utterly committed to playing our part in ensuring Enock and the Mpianzi family receive the justice they deserve,” Van As said.

A former parent of the school, who asked to remain anonymous because her son was one of the victims of abuse in 2018, said Williams’ dismissal has been long overdue.

“He did not heed our precaution and now Williams has to pay because he did not understand the warning signs along the line,” the parent said.

“The parents of abused victims pleaded with him to deal with the orientation camp issue but he wanted to sit on the fence and not take action.”

The parent explained the school had a history of abuse and it was during these school camps that boys were also bullied.

“His failure to act on the parents’ advice, suggestions and concerns led to another victim and the death of Enock.”

Bees Fourie, national president of the Bikers Against Bullying SA, said he is happy about the dismissal of Williams but has criticised the school’s governing body for not also stepping down.

“They were part of the final decision-making, why are they not also taking responsibility for Enock’s death,” Fourie said.

The lawyer representing Mpianzi’s parents, Wikus Steyl, was surprised at news of the dismissal.

“Last week, education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said a decision about Williams’ future was made and an announcement would be made soon.”

Steyl said Mpianzi’s father, Guy Itamba, said it is all fair and well that Williams was dismissed.

“He is still walking around as a free man while we cry for Enock,” Steyl said on behalf of the family.

Steyl said his heart broke every time he consulted Mpianzi’s parents. “These people are in pain.”