Town outraged over principal's suspension

2012-07-27 12:05

(File, AFP)

Bloemfontein - The suspension of a high school principal in Prieska in the Northern Cape has led to unhappiness among residents, the Volksblad newspaper reported on Friday.

"If the school sinks, the community sinks… the school performs in all areas and it’s unbelievable that this happened," a Ben Naude businessman told the paper.

The report follows the suspension of Prieska High School principal Nicky Hand by the Northern Cape education department on Monday.

The department has refused to allow Hand, also the accountancy teacher for the school's matriculants, to continue with classes despite a request by parents.

His suspension indicates he may not enter the school premises.

The report said the community was planning a meeting for Monday to discuss the situation.

Hermie van der Merwe, the provincial secretary of the SA Teachers Union, said Hand’s suspension letter was very vague on the reason for the suspension.

The department apparently refuses to indicate who laid charges against Hand.

"The department has no feelings for the pupils who have to write exams. The school and the community are harmed by this," Van der Merwe reportedly said.

Departmental spokesperson Sydney Stander confirmed an investigation at the school and that Hand was suspended pending the investigation.

- SAPA