Suspended Pretoria Girls High Principal Phillipa Erasmus Not Allowed To Return To Work, Even After Time Served

Principal Phillipa Erasmus’ Precautionary Suspension Stirs Legal Action as Education Department Extends Absence

Pretoria High School for Girls principal Phillipa Erasmus remains unable to return to work despite her three-month precautionary suspension officially ending this week. In response, the teachers’ union Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie (SAOU) has lodged a formal unfair labour practice complaint against the Gauteng Department of Education. This move, filed with the Education Labour Relations Council, was supported by an online petition from human rights activists, garnering widespread attention and community support for Erasmus’ reinstatement.

Legal Action Taken by SAOU Union

Dems Nel, SAOU’s head of legal, expressed disappointment with the department’s decision to prevent Erasmus from returning to her post despite the suspension period ending. According to the Employment of Educators Act, educators may be suspended for a maximum of three months as a precaution. Nel pointed out that Erasmus had fully served this suspension period and thus had the right to return to her position. “The employer indicated that she must not return to work at this stage and that the status quo remains,” Nel commented. “As a result, the suspension is now extended indefinitely, and this is unfair.”

Education Department Response and Community Backlash

Steve Mabona, the Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson, has yet to respond to inquiries about Erasmus’ situation. The case has sparked public criticism, with the Thabo Mbeki Foundation expressing concern over how the department handled related allegations at the school. Earlier this year, twelve matric students faced suspension after accusations of racism on a WhatsApp group. However, after an investigation, no hate speech or racist intent was found, leading the Foundation to suggest that the department appeared intent on associating the school with charges of racism.

Ongoing Petition and Growing Support for Erasmus

As Erasmus continues to await formal communication from the department regarding her employment status, a groundswell of support is building. The petition from activists emphasizes the importance of upholding fairness and transparency in handling educators’ rights and reflects increasing calls for her immediate reinstatement. Many concerned community members and parents argue that an indefinite suspension without clear grounds undermines trust in the education system’s fairness.

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