Closure of Mawombe High School

The Superintendent-General, Dr Cassius Lubisi has officially closed Mawombe High School in Mtubatuba in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Teaching and learning was brought to a halt at the school on Thursday (16 September 2010) after learners went on a rampage and vandalised school property. The school administration block was also set alight.

It is alleged that the learners became violent to display their support for an educator who is currently under suspension by the department. Police had to be called in to ensure the safety of the grade 12 learners who were writing the preliminary examinations.

Lubisi said the closing down of the school is a clear signal that the department will not tolerate hooliganism and unruly behavior in schools that lead to the disruption of teaching and learning.

"We closed the school in terms of the South African Schools Act of 1996. The school will remain closed until those learners who were involved in vandalising the school come forward," said Lubisi.

He added that strong disciplinary action will be taken against those learners that will be found guilty.

"We will take disciplinary action with a view to expulsion," said Lubisi.

"All learners will have to re-apply for admission to the school when it opens because we will not allow unruly people back at the school," he said.

The grade 12 learners are currently writing preparatory examinations at a nearby school. They will write exams set by teachers and subject advisors in the subjects they missed last week due to disruptions.