Staff at Noluthando School for the Deaf at Site B, in Khayelitsha, vowed to continue protesting until their grievances are answered by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
Noluthando accommodates learners who are deaf, hard of hearing as well as mild-moderately mentally.
Teachers have been on a go-slow for several months. They are demanding the school principal to resign (“Staff at Noluthando on go slow, demanding the principal to resign” City Vision, 9 June).
One of the teachers who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation said they were sick and tired of the principal.
He accused him of being a “bad influence” on staff. “The principal is a bully. He always wants things to be done in his way. He is talking to us as if he is talking to the children,” claimed the teacher.
He also accused the principal of selling jobs. “There are staff members who confessed that they paid R8 000 to him to be hired,” he said.
He stated that they had a meeting with the officials from the department but nothing has changed.
“We met with the officials last month to discuss our grievances. They vowed to come back but they never did. We are still waiting for them.
“But the sad thing is that the principal is still coming to school as if nothing happened. We don’t want him together with his cronies,” he emphasised, claiming that in 2019 the principal unilaterally employed a former colleague.
He stated that the prolonged go-slow action is affecting the learners as they can see what is happening.
He stressed that they will continue picketing until the department listens to them.
The teachers picket daily after school.
Unathi Booi, the spokesperson for the provincial department of education, said there is an ongoing investigation concerning the allegations.
“The matter has been addressed and was referred to the department’s labour relations directorate.
“This process is ongoing. We are committed to ensuring that there is a fair and thorough investigation into all aspects of the allegations,” said Booi.