By Ntandoyenkosi Nsusha
Education MEC Kwazi Mshengu has recommended that Grosvenor Girls’ High principal, Linda Jorgensen remain on suspension following racism allegations labelled against the school.
MEC Mshengu with Head of Department, Nkosinathi Ngcobo held a media briefing on Monday to provide a report and recommendations made by the independent panel as well as decisions taken by the department with regards to the allegations of racism and financial irregularities at the school.
On 7 March 2022, an independent panel was appointed to investigate the allegations. Based on the findings of the report, MEC Mshengu said racism is systematic and structural and that white authority dominates all facets at Grosvenor Girls’ High School.
“The report also found that racism is normalised and that it is second nature at this school. Black people who are learners and employees at the school suffer in an atmosphere of being suppressed and of being voiceless.The report also issued preliminary findings of improper use of school funds, non-compliance with policies, lack of cooperation between the then School Governing Body (SGB), the principal and School Management Team (SMT),” he said.
The MEC said that the principal and deputy principal should be held liable for all funds paid to any employee who would be found to have been employed into a position without meeting basic requirements.
“The principal must be charged with misconduct for infractions relating to racism, irregular appointments of employees and financial irregularities. The report has been forwarded to Premier of the province, Sihle Zikalala with a strong motivation that it should be used as a motivation for the appointment of a commission of inquiry into racism in schools within the province. Such a commission will assist us to uncover other racial sufferings and to develop norms and standards to prevent racial abuse in our schools,” said MEC Mshengu.
