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23 January 2008

KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Ina Cronje has appealed to teachers, parents and learners of George Cato Primary School to ensure that teaching and learning commence on Friday, 25 January 2008. She made the appeal at a crisis meeting at the school today, 23 January 2008. The meeting was attended by the school's teachers, representatives from three teacher unions, the school governing body, South African Police Service (SAPS) and community leaders.

Teaching and learning has been disrupted at the school for three consecutive days after an alleged assault at the school last week. A senior employee allegedly assaulted a junior employee at school. Both people are employed by the school governing body (SGB). The SGB has since suspended the senior employee and a police case was opened.

The incident resulted in previous allegations of racism resurfacing. Investigations were conducted last year and a report with recommendations was submitted. These recommendations were read by Dr Lubisi at the meeting. It transpired that an official in the department had received a report from district officials but failed to act swiftly. The department will deal with this individual.

Dr Lubisi announced the following actions:

* A disciplinary hearing will be conducted. This will be concluded by 29 February 2008. The hearing will involve several staff members.
* Urgent processes that will lead to the appointment of a new school governing body in line with the SA Schools' Act will be put in place.
* The department has recognised the serious racial tension in the school among teachers. As it takes a long time to heal this kind of rifts and it is often not easy for protagonists to deal with, the department will employ the expertise of a diversity management specialist, who will help the staff in particular to breach the racial divide. Dr Lubisi emphasised that the specialist cannot breach the racial divide, it was up to the teachers to take those steps with the specialist's assistance.
* The department will also investigate the role of members of the school employed by the department in the recent assault case, following allegations that have been made.
* Certain actions in line with the recommendations received from the district will be made within the next 24 hours that will involve certain individuals.
* Finally in view of continuing tension and concerns about safety in the school the department has taken the decision to close the school tomorrow and the school will reopen at 07h30 on Friday, 25 January 2008.

Enquiries:
Christi Naude
Cell: 083 262 8829

Issued by: Department of Education, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
23 January 2008