Association now calls on pupils to return to school

THE National Association of School Governing Bodies has made an about-turn and is calling on Meadowlands Senior Secondary School pupils to return to classes.

Two weeks ago the association's parents barred pupils and teachers from the school, demanding the reinstatement of principal Moss Senye.

Senye and teacher Fancy Phehle were suspended in February after they were arrested for allegedly assaulting a pupil.

The pupil was allegedly beaten and kicked after he had been "disruptive" in class.

The chairperson of the association's Meadowlands branch Buddy Sekatane yesterday said it was worried about examinations.

"We call on learners, especially matriculants, to return to school and to prepare for exams."

He said the association still wanted Senye back and was meeting district officials today to discuss the appointment of an acting principal.

"The district wanted to bring someone but we refused and told them we should meet and discuss it first."

Gauteng education spokesman Charles Phahlane said the department supported the move to get pupils to go back to school.

The department was consulting on whether or not it was legal to declare Senye "medically unfit".

Pupils threatened to bring education in Soweto to a halt if Senye were removed.