Alfred Moselakgomo

Alfred Moselakgomo

A case of misconduct against the principal of Hoërskool Ermelo in Mpumalanga was yesterday postponed to February 20 for judgment.

The provincial education department suspended Jacobus Kruger on January 17 for allegedly opposing a directive instructing him to admit English-speaking pupils.

This was after 95 English-speaking pupils were left stranded in the school hall without receiving classes for two weeks when the school reopened this year.

Kruger was suspended with full pay, but was forbidden to enter the school premises without the authorisation of regional director Nokuthula Mthethwa.

In its defence, the school governing body (SGB) claimed there was no room for the pupils as all the classrooms were already occupied.

The SGB also accused the provincial education department of failing to provide the school with handbooks or extra teachers for the English-speaking pupils.

"The matter has been postponed to February 20 next month where Kruger's future will be decided," said Hlahla Ngwenya, the spokesman for the department of education.

"He remains suspended on full pay and may not enter the school premises without the permission of the regional director," he said.

Frank Hlatshwayo, the circuit manager for the department of education in Ermelo, has been appointed to replace Kruger "until further notice".