Today was meant to be the first day back at work for Mrs Erasmus, the principal of Pretoria High School for Girls. Mrs Erasmus was suspended on 30 July 2024 amid the recent racism scandal at the school. Her 90-day suspension period concluded yesterday, Sunday 27 October 2024. However, departmental officials now argue that she cannot simply return to her position. They believe that she requires an official release from suspension - a view which is legally questionable.

In actual fact, Mrs Erasmus’ suspension should have ended on 2 August 2024, immediately after a disciplinary hearing exonerated the twelve accused students of racism. Since there was no racism in the WhatsApp group, accusing Mrs Erasmus of mishandling the incident when it arose in October 2023 is unwarranted. With the matter resolved, her suspension should have been lifted promptly.

Three months on, and Mrs Erasmus’ suspension has transitioned from irrational to plainly unlawful. It is time for Mrs Erasmus to return to work - and for officials in the Gauteng Department of Education to leave Pretoria High School for Girls alone.

#BringBackOurPrincipal