THE increasing number of teachers being killed, allegedly related to the fight over their posts in KZN schools, has resulted in the education department taking a stern decision.
The provincial department’s spokesman, Muzi Mahlambi, said they had decided that vacant posts caused by the death of teachers due to fighting would be frozen.
Muzi said the announcement was made by the head of department, Nkosinathi Sishi.
“We will soon start an investigation into the allegations. Then those posts will be advertised to allow for applications,” he said.
Muzi said if they felt the recruiting panel was biased or had been threatened, the department officials would take over the recruitment process.
“We will make sure all proper procedures are followed. We have informed the teachers’ unions about the decision.
“They have not responded but they really have to co-operate with us,” he said.
The department’s decision comes in the wake of the recent attacks in the province in which teachers, some in senior positions, have lost their lives.
Two weeks ago an acting deputy principal, Thokozani Mkhwanazi (46), from Nomyaca High School, was shot dead by unknown thugs inside the school premises.
Last Thursday a teacher from Richards Bay was attacked and shot at his home.
Two months ago Villa Maria Primary School teacher Nokuthula Magwanyana, from Bishopstowe in Pietermaritzburg, was stabbed to dead by unknown assailants on her way to school.
Before her death it had been alleged that she had been involved in an internal altercation with other teachers who were not happy about her occupying the position.
