MEC condemns disruption of teaching at primary school

By Ofentse Mokae
19 May 2010

Western Cape Education MEC Donald Grant has condemned the disruption of teaching at the Avondale Primary School in Atlantis.

According to education officials teachers at the school neglected their core duty since Monday protesting the return of their principal after a lengthy disciplinary process that was initiated more then two years ago.

MEC Grant says teachers cannot undermine the lawful return of the principal as due processes were followed.

“I wish to underscore that teachers cannot allow their unhappiness to undermine due process of the law, and most importantly, to prejudice the rights of learners,” says. Grant

Grant says he is particularly displeased that teachers are expressing their dissatisfaction at the expense of the learners whom they are duty bound to teach.

“My immediate priority at this stage is to ensure that learning continues and that the safety of learners is protected,” he added.

Meanwhile the disgruntled educators are set to meet Grant to voice their concerns and find possible solutions.

At this stage education officials however have been deployed to the school in an attempt to restore order.