May 23, 2008

Zululand OBSERVER

	Threatened Principal takes charge Ronelle Ramsamy THE 1 100 learners at Shikishela Primary School in Mtubatuba returned to normal schooling this week after the newly appointed principal resumed duties amid police presence. This follows immediate intervention from the KZN Education Department, which saw the disbanding of the School Governing Body and a public community meeting on Sunday to discuss the way forward. Last week, Principal Mrs R.N. Mthembu (45) was allegedly locked out of the school premises, as irate community members demanded that she vacate her position or face death. Mthembu had been escorted to the school by KZN Education MEC Ina Cronje earlier this month to assume her position, after the conclusion of a long drawn-out arbitration process spanning almost four years. However, a number of letters had been distributed at the school grounds, labelling Mthembu as a 'fake principal' and demanding that she leave the school with immediate effect. Learners had reportedly been dismissed without proper authorisation while teachers congregated outside the locked school gates. According to the letter, Mthembu was branded among others as an ANC principal, who would embezzle school funds. Concern While, normal teaching and learning resumed this week, KZN Education spokesperson, Mbali Thusi told the Zululand Observer that they were very concerned by the turn of the events. 'We appeal to all the stakeholders involved in this matter to put the interest of the children first to their personal differences and abide by the constitution, which states that the interest of a child has priority. 'The department met the community on Sunday where all employment procedures were explained,' said Mbali. A resolution was subsequently taken at the meeting that all educators report back to class and the principal continue to manage the school. 'The community was informed that in the interest of teaching and learning the Department has decided to dismiss all the functions of the SGB under section 22.3 of the SA Schools Act. The SGB has got up to 90 days to appeal and during this period, the school will be managed by an Administrator.