CAPE TOWN - A Cape Town principal who was fired for refusing to reopen his school during the COVID-19 pandemic has won his case for reinstatement.
The matter dates back to September 2020, when the Western Cape Education Department issued a directive that the doors of learning should be reopened with Covid 19 protocols in place.
Wesley Neumann, the principal of Heathfield High School, defied this instruction, citing safety concerns for his pupils and teachers.
He was charged with misconduct.
Disciplinary proceedings commenced and Neumann was found guilty of six misconduct charges and fired in May 2022.
Several organisations stood by him, including pupils and teachers.
But after a lengthy legal battle, the Labour Court has ruled in his favour.
The Western Cape Education Department says its legal counsel is reviewing the judgment and will decide on whether or not to lodge an appeal in due course.”
The ANC, The Good Party and Cosatu welcome the court ruling in Neumann's favour.
They are appealing to the WCED to stop wasting taxpayers' money by engaging in further court battles.
- eNCA’s Ayesha Ismail reports.