DA welcomes the reinstatement of Pretoria High School for Girls Principal

4 November 2024

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng welcomes the reinstatement of Pretoria High School for Girls Principal, Mrs Erasmus, after her three-month suspension that deprived learners of her leadership and guidance. We demand that she must return to her role without delay.

The DA has consistently called for her reinstatement following her suspension due to allegations of racism. We believe that the investigation was flawed and that the principal's suspension disrupted teaching and learning at the school during a critical time in the academic year.

We are pleased that common sense has prevailed, and the Principal has been reinstated. However, we are still concerned that Mrs Erasmus, Mrs Schoombie, and other educators and staff members are facing charges of misconduct as per the recommendations outlined in the investigation report presented today by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) and Mdladlamba Attorneys.

It is undeniable that this investigation was flawed from the start, with allegations that Mdladlamba Attorneys deviated from the terms of reference to find anything that could be used to prove the educators' guilt.

The DA remains critical of how MEC Matome Chiloane and the GDE handled this case, which has caused undue distress to all those involved.

A DA government would have focused efforts on addressing real issues instead of wasting time and resources on this poorly handled investigation into racism at Pretoria High School for Girls.

The DA will continue to push for the dismissal of misconduct charges against the educators. This case has dragged on longer than necessary, causing undue disruption to learners and teachers. Those in charge of the GDE must refrain from prosecuting individuals for actions they cannot definitively prove.

Issued by Sergio Isa Dos Santos, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, 4 November 2024