PARKTOWN BOYS HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL FIRED

Malcolm Williams, the principal of Parktown Boys High School in Johannesburg, has been served with a dismissal notice by the Gauteng Department of Education.

His dismissal relates to the death of a pupil, Enock Mpianzi, who drowned at the Nyati Bush and Riverbreak Lodge near Brits. Mpianzi was participating in a Grade 8 orientation camp when he drowned following an activity on a makeshift raft.

Teachers and pupils only realised a day later that Mpianzi was missing. This led to the school phoning Mpianzi’s father to confirm that he was on the trip. According to IOL, Williams himself phoned Mpianzi’s father about six hours later asking him to confirm that his son was not with him. His body was found two days later, and it was established that he drowned.

The allegations that the Department based its dismissal on are that Williams approved the orientation camp without prior approval from the Department; and that he failed to ensure a correct roll call was maintained.

IOL reports that another teacher forgot the roll call register on the bus which transported the boys from Johannesburg to the camp.

The Department highlighted the fact that Williams was found not guilty on the third allegation that he failed to ensure all learners wore life jackets while on the river excursion.

Williams has the right to appeal the findings.

Watch the eNCA video below for more info.

Image credit: Talk of the Town