On 12 March 2010 the Gauteng Department of Education instituted a disciplinary process against Mr Brent Saunders, the Deputy Principal of Parktown Boys High, in relation to illegal initiation practices which occurred at the school in February 2009. Mr Saunders has been found not guilty. The department is in the process of assessing the finding and is taking legal advice on this issue.
In relation to the disciplinary proceedings against Mr Tom Clarke, the principal of Parktown Boys High when the incident occurred, disciplinary charges were dropped when he retired as he was no longer in the employ of the department and therefore beyond the department's jurisdiction. Charges were not preferred against Mr Hillock as he is an employee of the School Governing Body and therefore beyond the department's jurisdiction.
The incident occurred at a time before the term of this MEC. When this matter was brought to her attention the MEC asked the HOD to seek legal opinion on whether charges should be pressed and against whom. The HOD decided to press charges on the basis of legal opinion.
The Gauteng Department of Education continues to view all initiation practices as illegal.
For more information contact:
Charles Phahlane
Tel: 011 355 1530
Cell: 071 860 4496
