ANC Western Cape applauds Labour Court ruling against WCED

The ANC in the Western Cape has added its voice to a Labour Court judgment against the Western Cape Education Department.

The court retrospectively reinstated Wesley Neumann, former principal of Heathfield High School, on Monday.

He was dismissed after a disciplinary inquiry found him guilty of six charges of misconduct related to his refusal to open the school to learners and teachers in the early phases of COVID.

The ANC's Khalid Sayed says the ruling is a damning indictment of the decision-making of the department.

"This judgment confirms what the ANC has consistently maintained over the past five years: that the removal of Mr Neumann was unjust, politically tainted, and driven by vindictiveness rather than the best interests of learners, educators, or the school community."

Sayed says the ANC caucus will study the details of the judgment and will revert their action in the provincial legislature to ensure accountability.

“This case has come at an enormous financial cost to the people of the Western Cape. 'We will be posing formal questions to the Education MEC, David Maynier, regarding the total cost incurred by the department in its prolonged and reckless pursuit of Mr Neumann, excluding this Labour Court matter. We are aware that well over R4 million was spent. "

ALSO READ: Reinstated Heathfield High School principal feels vindicated