Question NW1366 to the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
07 June 2021 - NW1366
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
What (a) engagements has she had with the parents and staff of the Theresa park Primary School in Pretoria, to find out what the relevant details were about the issues that led the parents to eject the principal from the specified school and (b) kind of assistance has her department given to the principal to deal with the trauma of her violent eviction from the school?
Reply:
This matter falls within the competence of Gauteng Department of Education (GDE); and as such I had to consult with MEC Lesufi.
(a) I am informed that MEC Lesufi visited the Principal, Ms Mabaso, at her home on 14 May 2021; and on the same evening, held a meeting with the School Governing Body (SGB) members and the SMT of Laerskool Theresapark. In this meeting, the SGB members (old and new) made submissions on the issue of the Principal. An independent investigation has since been instituted into the allegations of financial mismanagement, and the reported resignation of staff at the school.
(b) On 17 May 2021, the GDE Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) unit visited the Principal, Ms Mabaso at her home to provide support. She was advised to do self-referral and was provided with contact details.