Dear PAHS Supporter

Exactly one month ago this petition called for the suspension and investigation of the principal of Port Alfred High School (PAHS) over allegations of sexual harassment. 

Such allegations are serious and require urgent attention. Schools must be safe for everyone, and suspending the principal during the investigation ensures fairness and protects the community while the truth is determined.

We declare victory! 

The petition successfully pressured the principal to stay away from the school and compelled the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDOE) to investigate him, as mandated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA).

• While not officially suspended, the principal’s continued absence contributes to a safer school environment, creating better conditions for a fair hearing.
• The ECDOE has officially charged the principal and disciplinary hearings have been scheduled for February 2025.

We need to work!

Make no mistake: trusting our provincial government to create a safe school environment is like expecting a pothole to fix itself! 

We can never rely on government alone to ensure school safety—it took them two full years to lay charges and this was only after repeated interventions by the Minister’s Office.

This ordeal teaches us to actively work together as a school community to protect our staff and children while contributing to the school’s success. 

What must change?

As a school community we have to remedy collaboration around school safety, including effective internal and external communication channels.

The school's dilemma is managing a situation where the principal, who is responsible for addressing all forms of violence, is also implicated in the matter.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) through its National School Safety Framework (NSSF) gives very appropriate and specific guidance in this regard.

The NSSF proposes a School Safety Committee comprised of a range of different stakeholders internal and external to the school environment. 

• “Where educators or principals are directly involved in cases, the DBE encourages learners to report to members of the School Safety Committee.”
• According to NSSF the role of a School Safety Committee is to develop a comprehensive prevention plan for school safety and violence. 
• The safety committee leads the efforts to identify school safety needs, select appropriate interventions based on the needs identified, garner support from school and community stakeholders for the school safety plan, and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the school safety initiatives.
• NSSF warns that if school-based violence prevention, and safety programming, do not take into account the influence, needs and participation of the community and community structures, the desired outcome of a safer school for all is unlikely to be achieved. 
• NSSF places the onus on the school to encourage the continuous building of relationships and ensure open communication between the principal, school management, educators, parents and learners.

Homework!

The school's hashtag, #BeTheChangePAHS, has never been more relevant than it is now. Here are some homework to be the change:

1. Support the PAHS Carnival Friday 28 February at 15h00!
2. Download the National School Safety Framework to learn more.
3. Send a message of encouragement to the Deputy Principal and express your willingness to work together for a safe school. 

• Send your email to our Deputy Principal, Mrs Anne Willemse at office@pahs.co.za
• Copy the template below, or write a message in your own words. 

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Subject: Commitment to a Safe School Environment 

Dear Mrs. Willemse and School Management,

I would like to express my appreciation for your dedication to our school community. Your efforts in ensuring a safe and supportive environment do not go unnoticed. Please know that I am committed to working alongside you to maintain and enhance the safety of our school.

Together, we can create a space where students and staff feel secure, valued, and empowered to thrive. Thank you for your leadership and dedication.

Kind regards,


[Your Name]
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T H A N K   Y O U !

By signing this petition you showed your love for our school and contributed to its safety and success. 

A total of 1,367 people signed the petition (1,000 in the first 48 hours!) with more than 90% of signatories current and former residents, parents, pupils, and teachers from the broader Port Alfred community.

We must now pray for a fair outcome in the disciplinary hearing while continuing our efforts to build a safe school under the leadership of a professional, capable, and trustworthy principal.

Best,

Pierre le Roux 

P.S. Use Change.org to start your own successful petition to mobilise for positive change!