The representative council of learners (RCL) at Pretoria-based Wallmansthal High School has asked for the intervention of the Department of Education to deal with mismanagement and absent leadership at the school.
Pupils are concerned about cyberbullying, contact bullying, and damaged classrooms and restrooms among others at the school.
South African Union of Learners (SAUL), which represents all school councils, said alleged acts of intimidation and harassment have built an environment of fear and insecurity among pupils, which inhibit their ability to learn.
SAUL general secretary Oratile Levuno said on one of their visits to the school in the morning, they witnessed pupils gambling near one of the classrooms.
In a letter that Sunday World has seen, SAUL wrote to the department of education demanding urgent intervention on the matters faced by the school.
“I respectfully request that the Department of Education conduct a thorough investigation into the cyberbullying incidents, bullying complaints, mismanagement of resources, and leadership deficiencies at Wallmansthal High School.
“Subsequently, we urge you to implement a comprehensive action plan that includes measures to combat cyberbullying, ensure the safety of pupils, reevaluate school management practices, and assess the suitability of the current principal,” reads the letter in part.
Levuno said the principal should be held accountable because effective leadership was the cornerstone of any educational institution.
In the letter, he said it was painfully clear that the current administration is ill-equipped to navigate the challenges faced by the school, stating that a decisive and competitive leader was needed to build a safe and conducive learning environment.
Members of RCL at Wallmansthal High School have also written to the principal requesting immediate attention to the state of hygiene at the school.
“We kindly request that the necessary measures be taken to ensure the consistent and thorough upkeep of these facilities, thereby fostering a healthy and comfortable environment for all,” reads the RCL letter.
The RCL also asked for collaboration in raising funds for projects that would develop the school and use the fundraising event to forge unity amongst pupils, teachers and parents.
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