It was confirmed yesterday that the school is closed.
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The primary school, which is in a predominantly coloured area, had been marred by allegations of racism and maladministration after the appointment of a black principal previous year. But then the charges were cleared, as the MEC Panyaza Lesufi asked the governing body to elect a new principal.
In a bid to curb the spiralling situation, Lesufi deployed an armed security company at the school earlier this month after a man, armed with a gun and claiming to be a parent, demanded to see the principal, Nomathemba Molefe.
Department spokesperson Phumla Sekhonyane said a minority of the parents did not want the school to be closed. The school has been racked by racial tension this year, with the police taking similar action in February following a standoff with parents.
Protests at schools in South Africa are common as parents vent frustrations at what they view as a failing education system. The department said an analysis of work done had revealed the work that pupils were doing now was supposed to have been completed in May. This morning the community, parents of pupils resorted to violent protest.
ER24 paramedics spokesman Russel Meiring said there was a heavy police presence at the school.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura announced last week that the school will be closed due to disputes which have caused disruptions.
David Makhura announced on Friday he’s closing down Roodepoort Primary School until peace is restored.
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Lesufi has ordered that the learners and teachers will be temporarily moved to Lufhereng Primary School, situated also in the West Rand.
