ANC criticises WCDE of wasting millions to fight reinstated Heathfield High principal

The African National Congress (ANC) in the Western Cape has criticised the Education Department’s decision to appeal the Labour Court's ruling reinstating former Heathfield High principal Wesley Neumann.

Neumann was dismissed in 2021 on six misconduct charges related to refusing to reopen the school during the height of COVID19.

The department argues that the court minimised the seriousness of his conduct and has, therefore, lodged an appeal.

The ANC’s Khaled Sayed said more than R4 million has already been spent on legal fees while schools face critical resource shortages.

"The ANC caucus views this as wasteful expenditure and will therefore call on SCOPA and the Auditor General to investigate the full extent of the costs incurred and the decision-making that led to this ongoing legal process."

Sayed said court orders must be respected and that the party will continue to demand accountability.

“We will continue to use our oversight role to protect public funds, defend educators against unfair treatment, and ensure accountability within the Western Cape Education Department.”