PUPILS at Tshebedi High School in Steilloop, Limpopo, fear their future is doomed after the departure of a trusted teacher.

Marks Moremi, who taught economics and accounting for four years at the school, left on Tuesday under a dark cloud.

Since joining the rural school in 2005 Moremi had allegedly excelled in his duties to the extent of ensuring that none of the matriculants failed his subjects.

It is believed school principal John Mashapa had a beef with Moremi that led to his decision to leave.

Yesterday pupils embarked on protest action to demand the "immediate" reinstatement of Moremi.

The pupils said they would continue with the action until their demands were met.

Moremi taught Grade 9, 10, 11 and 12 and was also deputy principal of the school.

Learners representative council president Dineo Moremi (no relations to the departed teacher) told Sowetan yesterday that the whole community was shocked about Moreni's sudden departure.

She said that they felt something had to be done to ensure that the teacher returned to the school.

"We believe the future of the pupils at the school is doomed without Moremi. He was a dedicated teacher who had a passion for teaching," Dineo said.

She said they would do everything in their power to force Moremi's return.

"We have approached Mashapa (the principal) for an explanation on why Moremi left the school but he failed to provide convincing answers. That's why we are taking action," she said.

Sowetan's attempts to speak to Mashapa were in vain.

He refused to comment and referred queries to the provincial department of education.

Marks, the teacher, said he left the school because of redeployment.

Asked what he would do if he were asked to return to the school he said he would "accept whatever comes" because it had not been his decision to leave in the first place.

The department's general manager for communications, Cebile Khanye, promised to investigate the matter before commenting on it.