(SGB) and woman principal
20 August 2007
A visit by MEC Ina Cronje to Nokweja Primary in the Ixopo district has
cleared the air between the newly appointed female principal Samukelisiwe
Mchunu and the school governing body (SGB).
Mchunu was not welcomed with opened arms by the parent community after her
appointment in July 2007. The reason given to departmental officials was that
the community wanted a male principal and not a female principal. The school
governing body did recommend Mchunu as their first choice after interviews but
indicated that they still would have preferred a man.
During her visit today, 20 August 2007, MEC Cronje personally introduced
Mchunu as the legally appointed principal of the school. She pointed out that
all appointment procedures had been followed and no grievances had been
received.
Reminding school governing body members and the school management team of
the dark days of apartheid when discrimination against black people was rife,
MEC Cronje said the Constitution of South Africa is very clear on
discrimination. "You may not discriminate on the basis of race, religion and
gender."
She said if there is no harmony among teachers, principal and the school
governing body, the children suffer. "It affects the education of our children.
Our African children did not get the same education � the least money was spent
on African children. You as parents must do what is good for our children."
She said the majority of teachers in KwaZulu-Natal are women, while the
minority is principals. "Employment Equity is trying to correct the
balance."
School governing body chairman Jabulani Dlamini welcomed the MEC's visit and
her wise words. He made it clear that the school governing body had nothing
against Mchunu as a person. They have attended a workshop where they were
sensitised in gender equity and understand that there should be balance.
Enquiries:
Christi Naude
Tel: 033 355 2453
Fax: 033 342 0275
Cell: 083 262 8829
E-mail: christin@kznedu.kzntl.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial
Government
20 August 2007
