Dear Editor
The Gauteng Department of Education’s (GDE) continued persecution of Pretoria High School for Girls principal, Mrs Philippa Erasmus, who has now been found guilty on a frivolous charge because her husband assisted with landscaping at the school as a voluntary act is unacceptable and delays progressive learning and teaching at this school.
As the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng, we once again call on the GDE MEC, Matome Chiloane, to reverse this decision and put an end to the ongoing harassment and humiliation of this dedicated principal who is unjustly denied the opportunity to teach and guide learners at Pretoria High School for Girls.
This disgraceful outcome reinforces our consistent assertion: under MEC Matome, the department will go to great lengths to justify its political vendetta against Mrs Erasmus.
The initial investigation focused on allegations of racism, from which she was cleared. However, instead of accepting this outcome, the department, represented by Mdladlamba Attorneys, strayed from the original terms of reference in a desperate attempt to find evidence that could prove the principal’s guilt and subsequent punishment.
Finding a principal guilty of her husband assisting the school, without compensation, is not only absurd but also shows a department more focused on saving face than on achieving justice or improving educational outcomes.
The department’s handling of disciplinary issues has become increasingly erratic and inconsistent, often appearing to be influenced by political agendas. It is perplexing why the department has been slow to respond to many damning cases, particularly those that threaten learner safety, but decided to move with unusual speed and vengeance in this instance.
A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would ensure that all disciplinary processes are conducted fairly, transparently, and in the best interest of education, rather than resorting to power abuses.
Regards
Sergio Isa Dos Santos MPL
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education