Ward candidate defends principal accused of forcing teachers to wear MK Party T-shirt

'I got together with other businesses and arranged meals for the pupils. Vinesh was grateful for our help and decided to wear our MK shirts and take a picture for me.' | Gadafi Govender, the MK candidate for ward 28

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

AN UMGUNTO resident (MK) ward candidate has come to the defence of a North Coast school principal who has been accused of threatening to fine teachers who refused to wear party T-shirts.

This week, KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Mbali Frazer Hlanguza visited Shasdlmadl Primary to reaffirm that educational institutions must remain politically neutral.

The incident happened before the April 2 municipal by-elections in the area.

Gadafi Govender, the MK candidate for ward 28, defended the principal Vinesh Singh, had asked the teachers to wear the T-shirts “as gratitude” to him.

“He didn’t force anyone to wear the T-shirts. I gave them the T-shirts like I give others. There was no motive.

“The KZN Department of Education (KZN DoE) was assisting in their nutritional programme at the school for two weeks. I got together with other businesses and arranged meals for the pupils.

“Vinesh was grateful for our help and decided to wear our MK shirts and take a picture for me. The teachers had consented to wear the T-shirts,” said Govender.

“I used to be an ANC ward councillor but due to inefficiencies of the party, I resigned three months ago and joined the MK,” claimed Govender.

“The MK is gaining momentum. Sadu and the DoE try to investigate the principal, and the MEC tried to suspend him but they could not. Only after a hearing and if he is found guilty, can they remove him from his position. They are correct to say that he should not now wear the T-shirts on school property and at school political views. But on Friday, the ANC had a rally at the North Coast Agricultural College. Where is the line drawn?