Qunu Junior Secondary School principal Lucky Mhlawuli, who was accused of impregnating a pupil, has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the Eastern Cape education department following an internal investigation.
Earlier this year, pupils at the school went on a rampage and set alight one of their classrooms, saying they wanted the principal removed.
Their reasons for not wanting Mhlawuli included:
lHis alleged use of a metal object to punish pupils; and
Forcing students to pay R100 fees despite it being a no-fee school.
The pupils also accused him of giving the school's bank card and PIN number to the pupil he had allegedly impregnated.
School governing body chairman Eric Ngxekana said it was this particular accusation that actually led to Mhlawuli being vindicated.
"The school does not have a bank card, we use a cheque book, so that led to a lot of doubt because already there was a big hole in that particular case," said Ngxekana.
He said the two independent investigators who were appointed by the department also found the alleged pregnant pupil was never pregnant and dropped out of school because of personal reasons.
Ngxekana also defended the corporal punishment accusation, say parents had given the go-ahead.
"Obviously, we were not suggesting that pupils be beaten to a pulp, but we all understand the importance of punishment, otherwise we will all be stuck with children that have no respect or discipline."
He said they were relieved Mhlawuli would be back in time for the exams. "He took this school from nothing and has put it where it is today, so we are very impressed, even with the way the investigation was handled."
Yesterday, Mhlawuli said his reputation had been tainted and that it "broke" his heart to imagine the world seeing him as "this monster that sleeps with his pupils".
"I'm glad the truth is out and not just for me, but for the people who have been supporting me, my family and my church and even some of my colleagues who know me and knew I could not have done this."
Education spokesman Mali Mtima said the department was grateful the matter was resolved and that there was hope the outcome will strengthen "learner and teacher relationship".
Probe clears principal of accusations
Qunu Junior Secondary School principal Lucky Mhlawuli, who was accused of impregnating a pupil, has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the Eastern Cape education department following an internal investigation.
Earlier this year, pupils at the school went on a rampage and set alight one of their classrooms, saying they wanted the principal removed.
Their reasons for not wanting Mhlawuli included:
lHis alleged use of a metal object to punish pupils; and
Forcing students to pay R100 fees despite it being a no-fee school.
The pupils also accused him of giving the school's bank card and PIN number to the pupil he had allegedly impregnated.
School governing body chairman Eric Ngxekana said it was this particular accusation that actually led to Mhlawuli being vindicated.
"The school does not have a bank card, we use a cheque book, so that led to a lot of doubt because already there was a big hole in that particular case," said Ngxekana.
He said the two independent investigators who were appointed by the department also found the alleged pregnant pupil was never pregnant and dropped out of school because of personal reasons.
Ngxekana also defended the corporal punishment accusation, say parents had given the go-ahead.
"Obviously, we were not suggesting that pupils be beaten to a pulp, but we all understand the importance of punishment, otherwise we will all be stuck with children that have no respect or discipline."
He said they were relieved Mhlawuli would be back in time for the exams. "He took this school from nothing and has put it where it is today, so we are very impressed, even with the way the investigation was handled."
Yesterday, Mhlawuli said his reputation had been tainted and that it "broke" his heart to imagine the world seeing him as "this monster that sleeps with his pupils".
"I'm glad the truth is out and not just for me, but for the people who have been supporting me, my family and my church and even some of my colleagues who know me and knew I could not have done this."
Education spokesman Mali Mtima said the department was grateful the matter was resolved and that there was hope the outcome will strengthen "learner and teacher relationship".
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