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A GAUTENG teacher has turned to the courts to keep her bullying principal at bay as the battle to keep learning doors open at Madiba Comprehensive School in Kagiso on the West Rand hots up.
In one corner is mechanical technology teacher and the school s head of department for technical subjects Gugulethu Kubyana, who accuses her boss and principal Lucas Rampaku of harassing her and destabilising her department. Rampaku hit back at Kubyana (50), saying she was facing a disciplinary action but he would not elaborate on what she was charged with.
Sunday World was alerted to the situation by one of the teacher s relatives, who alleged that Kubyana was being unfairly treated by Rampaku (37) and she was no longer enjoying working at the school.
The relative, who asked not to be named, also claimed that as a result of the fracas between the two educators, the principal refuses to have the machines at the school repaired.
As a result, Kubyana was forced to hold some classes for Grade 10, 11 and 12 pupils on suppliers premises.
She went to court to obtain a court order but the local police, who seem to be in cahoots with the principal, are refusing to go and serve it on him,” said the family member.
Kubyana obtained the court order on December 9, which had still not been served on Rampaku by close of business on Friday.
Kagiso police spokesman Warrant Officer Solomon Sibiya said he would investigate why the court order had not been served but failed to return to Sunday World by the time of going to press.
In the court documents seen by Sunday World, Kubyana said her fight with Rampaku dated back to 2012 and accused the principal of trying to wrestle control of the technical workshop and storeroom away from her. She has refused to hand over the keys.
I am responsible for safekeeping of workshop and storeroom keys ... These include the registers of stock and machines that are worth more than R2-million.
The main challenge that is facing me now is constant and continuous disturbance that is propelled by my Principal Mr Rampaku. His actions of destabilising our department in terms of teaching and learning are always and mostly designed to come at this time of the year.
For the past two-and-half years, I have been given all forms of harassment ranging from emotional, physical, psychological and verbal harassment. Included here are allegations that contain false information and are as old as 2012 whereas the stipulation of misconduct prescribes a period of 6 months.
In my assessment these allegations are not as a result of my misbehaviour or misconduct but as a way of waiving the focus on him [Mr Rampaku].
As we both should report on funds that were granted to us as a school and specifically to the Technical Department by the MEC of Education as part of turn around school & Recapitalization of Technical School,” she wrote.
Kubyana asked the court to prohibit the principal from confiscating the keys from her and that she, her colleagues and pupils be protected from his harassment.
I wish to indicate to the honourable judge that I am fully prepared to co-operate and responded to all allegations levelled against me with all the evidence and proof plus witnesses
Kubyana also told the court that her health was deteriorating not because medication is inaccurate but due to stress levels and fatigue
Kubyana has been on sick leave for the past two months and is due to return to work on May 18.
My learners are suffering constantly deprived of their right to proper learning and teaching.
My good record will be deformed because from the year 1995 to date I have been on 100% pass of learners in my department and learning area.”
Gauteng eduction spokeswoman Phumla Sekhonyane said the department was looking into the matter.