Bergview College, a private school in the Eastern Cape, has appointed Tyrone Cook as its Acting Principal following the departure of former head Jaco Pieterse. The change in leadership comes after months of public attention and legal drama tied to the controversial Cwecwe case.
In a letter sent to parents on July 30, the school board confirmed Pieterse’s termination, citing an internal review. Cook will lead the institution until February 2025 while the board searches for a permanent replacement.
The school became the focus of national headlines earlier this year when it was linked to the rape of a learner. Although Pieterse was never officially named a suspect, misinformation spread quickly, leading to public outrage and political accusations.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu later issued a formal apology, acknowledging that Pieterse had been wrongly linked to the incident. Despite being cleared, Pieterse filed a lawsuit on July 13 in Johannesburg against EFF leader Julius Malema, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, and the Eastern Cape Education MEC, accusing them of spreading harmful falsehoods.
While the board has not explained whether the dismissal is directly related to the scandal, the recruitment process for a permanent principal is expected to conclude by the end of 2025. Cook, described by staff as a steady and experienced leader, is expected to help restore stability at the school in the interim.
