Latest news with #ChrisDenysschen
Eyewitness News
5 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
Hoërskool Waterkloof parents want principal reinstated despite serious allegations against him
PRETORIA - The principal of Hoërskool Waterkloof in Pretoria is at the centre of a heated stand-off as parents call for his reinstatement while serious allegations continue to loom over him. Chris Denysschen was temporarily removed from his post last year and is currently the subject of an ongoing disciplinary process managed by the Education Labour Relations Council. The Gauteng Education Department said the action taken against him followed claims of improper conduct, but supporters of the principal argued that the matter was being dragged out unfairly, without any formal finding. Denysschen was last week transferred to the Tshwane South district office after fresh concerns were raised about possible interference with witnesses. While details remain limited due to the sensitive nature of the complaints, which allegedly involve minors, legal representatives confirmed that legislation such as the Children's Act and Sexual Offences Act had been referenced during the hearing, as part of the broader arbitration process. To date, no formal criminal charges have been brought, and the principal, through his legal team, has denied any wrongdoing. The department has described the allegations as serious, but the closed hearing has been delayed multiple times, with no timeline for a final outcome. In the meantime, over 1,400 parents have rallied behind Denysschen in a WhatsApp group, praising his contributions to the school and demanding his return. On Wednesday, the complainants' lawyer held a media briefing, criticising what they called an unclear and unfair process. "It might be that we are not happy with the proceedings that's happening now and how it is carrying on. But we have to give this thing a chance to be ventilated during the arbitration and seeing where it goes from there." Meanwhile, parents in support of the principal pointed to Waterkloof's academic success under his leadership, including last year's matric results, which saw the school earn the most distinctions of any public school in the country.
The Herald
6 days ago
- The Herald
Hoërskool Waterkloof principal moved to district office after interference complaint
The Gauteng department of education on Thursday precautionarily transferred the principal of Hoërskool Waterkloof, Chris Denysschen, following complaints of alleged interference with witnesses at the school. Allegations of improper conduct were levelled against Denysschen last year and the department refused to disclose full details due to the sensitivity of the matter and the fact that the disciplinary hearing was still pending. He was initially placed on precautionary transfer to the district office in September last year, but this was lifted on December 12, and he returned to school. On Thursday, the department said the principal will from Friday report to the Tshwane South district office. 'He will remain there until the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings, which are being managed independently by the Education Labour Relations Council, the statutory body responsible for overseeing such hearings,' Gauteng education department spokesperson Steve Mabona said. TimesLIVE
