Vindicated teacher speaks of battle to clear her name

FORMER Primrose Park primary teacher Lee-Ann Snyders believes her dignity will only be restored when she is reinstated and back paid following nearly seven years of a gruelling legal battle to clear her name.

- NICOLA DANIELS

Snyders recently secured a major victory when the Labour Court dismissed with costs a Western Cape Education Department (WCED) application that sought to set aside an earlier arbitration award in her favour.

Snyders had taught at Manenberg Primary School for six years without incident until a bitter rivalry between the Grade 5A and 5B classes culminated in several charges being brought against her in 2018, ultimately leading to her dismissal.

According to court papers, Snyders was dismissed on March 9, 2020 on 14 misconduct charges including improper comments and insults directed at learners; physical punishment/contact administered to certain learners, name-calling and swearing.