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Angry parents are calling for the reinstatement of Mr. Zuko Mbana, the principal of Makaula Senior Secondary School in KwaBhaca, who was suspended for the second time in two years. The Eastern Cape Department of Education confirmed that Mbana has been on precautionary suspension since July, pending an investigation into allegations of student abuse and rudeness to teachers.
Despite the allegations, parents are rallying behind Mbana, citing his 30-year track record of maintaining the school’s pass rate and dignity. However, not everyone is in support of his return. Twenty-five of the school’s 65 teachers have expressed opposition to Mbana’s reinstatement, claiming he fails to address issues effectively and often shouts at them, just as he does at students.
The situation has spiraled out of control, with students taking advantage of the principal’s absence to engage in misbehavior. Some hostel residents have been caught smoking drugs and drinking alcohol, while others have slept outside the school premises. The Department of Education was forced to send all hostel students home last week due to the chaos.
Eastern Cape Education Minister Fundile Gade acknowledged that the department is struggling to manage the situation, particularly with the discovery of drugs and alcohol on school premises. In Mbana’s absence, some teachers have been accused of neglecting their duties.
Pro-Mbana teachers have threatened that those opposing his return should resign, as the school can find new teachers. Meanwhile, parents are urging Mbana to share his secret to successfully managing the school for three decades.
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