Kutlwano Olifant
PARENTS and pupils at yet another school in Diepkloof have disrupted classes and demanded that the principal be removed.
Hurling insults at Madibane High School principal Mohammed Lachporia and waving placards denouncing him, the angry parents toyi-toyied next to the school gates, forcing him to seek refuge at the nearby Diepkloof police station.
The drama began yesterday at 6.30am, but even though teaching resumed after 9am, some parents remained at the gates to ensure Lachporia did not return.
The action came a week after parents at JS Mpanza Primary School – also in Diepkloof – had disrupted teaching while demanding the immediate resignation of principal Grace Sithole.
Yesterday, parents and pupils accused Lachporia of poor management, including teaching a class in his office instead of in a classroom.
“We don’t want him here,” the parents shouted, vowing that they would be back this morning to make sure he was locked out again.
Police were yesterday seen patrolling outside the school to stop any violence.
In addition, the school governing body (SGB) wrote a letter to the Gauteng Department of Education’s district director in which the parents accused Lachporia of:
l Restricting pupils’ access to the computer laboratory;
l Discouraging sporting activities at the school;
l Making unilateral decisions on matters affecting pupils and parents;
l Undermining input by parents and educators and decisions on matters concerning schooling and teaching;
l Conducting teaching lessons in his office.
Parents said they were angered by Lachporia’s behaviour during a school meeting on Sunday morning.
“He failed to conduct the meeting and rushed off to another meeting. We felt disrespected by him after he failed to listen to our problems,” said parent Susan Lekgetho.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an SGB member told The Star that parents were concerned about the decreasing number of pupils. “The number of learners has decreased. The school had more than 1 000 pupils but numbers have dropped to just more than 200. It is a serious matter.”
Department spokesman Charles Phahlane said they were aware of the situation. “Officials will visit the school to investigate the parents’ grievances”