Hoërskool Waterkloof parents want principal reinstated despite serious allegations against him
Chris Denysschen was temporarily removed from his post last year and is currently the subject of an ongoing disciplinary process managed by the education labour relations council.
Picture: Hoërskool Waterkloof/Facebook
PRETORIA - The principal of Hoërskool Waterkloof in Pretoria is at the centre of a heated stand-off as parents call for his reinstatement while serious allegations continue to loom over him.
Chris Denysschen was temporarily removed from his post last year and is currently the subject of an ongoing disciplinary process managed by the Education Labour Relations Council.
The Gauteng Education Department said the action taken against him followed claims of improper conduct, but supporters of the principal argued that the matter was being dragged out unfairly, without any formal finding.
Denysschen was last week transferred to the Tshwane South district office after fresh concerns were raised about possible interference with witnesses.
While details remain limited due to the sensitive nature of the complaints, which allegedly involve minors, legal representatives confirmed that legislation such as the Children’s Act and Sexual Offences Act had been referenced during the hearing, as part of the broader arbitration process.
To date, no formal criminal charges have been brought, and the principal, through his legal team, has denied any wrongdoing.
The department has described the allegations as serious, but the closed hearing has been delayed multiple times, with no timeline for a final outcome.
In the meantime, over 1,400 parents have rallied behind Denysschen in a WhatsApp group, praising his contributions to the school and demanding his return.
On Wednesday, the complainants’ lawyer held a media briefing, criticising what they called an unclear and unfair process.
"It might be that we are not happy with the proceedings that's happening now and how it is carrying on. But we have to give this thing a chance to be ventilated during the arbitration and seeing where it goes from there."
Meanwhile, parents in support of the principal pointed to Waterkloof’s academic success under his leadership, including last year’s matric results, which saw the school earn the most distinctions of any public school in the country.