Parents of learners at the uMkhumbane Secondary, in Mayville, Durban trying to stop learners who were intending to protest the disruption of classes that was caused by a teachers' three-week boycott triggered by the installation of CCTV cameras in class earlier last week. This week, the boycott enters fourth week.
Image: ZIMBILI VILAKAZI
The provincial secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu) has challenged the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education to clarify the rules governing school principals following a dispute at a Durban school.
Nomarashiya Caluza’s call comes after the summary suspension of uMkhumbane Secondary School principal Ntokozo Ngobese last week, amid an escalating teachers’ boycott of classroom closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
The boycott at Mayville school has continued for more than two weeks after teachers objected to the installation of CCTV cameras in classrooms last year, saying they had not been consulted. The protest began on February 16.
The cameras were installed as part of efforts to curb theft and bullying incidents at the school.
Last week the department handed Ngobese a suspension letter at the school, which has maintained a 100% Grade 12 pass rate for more than five consecutive years.
Twenty-two Sadtu members have objected to the cameras, arguing that they infringe on their privacy and should be removed. However, parents have largely supported the technology, saying it has helped to curb theft in classrooms.
Ngobese has allegedly been suspended for three months pending an investigation into alleged insubordination.
Caluza told Independent Media that the dispute stemmed largely from poor communication.
"You need to get the department first to explain its policy on teachers. The principal should have consulted the teachers before installing the cameras," said Caluza.
She said the cameras recorded not only images but also sound.
"We can't have someone who is sitting in his office busy listening to the teachers teaching in class," she said.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has denied that the suspension of the principal of uMkhumbane Secondary School in Mayville, Durban, is linked to the ongoing dispute over the installation of installatiion of CCTV cameras in classrooms. The issue of CCTV cameras has resulted in a three-week-long teachers' boycott who are against the cameras.
Image: SUPPLIED
Caluza added that teachers were not consulted beforehand and only became aware of the cameras after they had already been installed.
She suggested that principals should respect their teacher colleagues in order to maintain harmony in schools.
Siboniso Malinga, president of the National Teachers' Union (Natu), said the union was not aware of the matter but stressed that decisions taken at school level should involve all stakeholders.
Malinga said schools have structures that include learners, parents and teachers.
"If the parents suggested installing cameras at school, then the meeting minutes should reflect the decisions that were taken," said Malinga.
He added that Natu was concerned about the disruption to teaching and learning at the school and urged the department to intervene urgently.
Last week, parent Xolile Buhlalu said some parents had begun demonstrating to demand that the department reveal the reasons for the principal’s suspension. Some parents locked the school gates with a chain and padlock during the protest.
This week, teachers paid by the school governing body were expected to resume teaching to fill the gap left by the 22 of the school’s 39 teachers who have boycotted classes.
"We don't need those who boycotted the classes in our school. We still stand by the installation of cameras and we want the principal reinstated," said Buhlalu.
On Friday, Muzi Mahlambi, head of communications in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, issued a statement addressing Ngobese’s suspension.
"The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education wishes to set the record straight regarding the recent public misinformation. The suspension of the principal of Umkhumbane Secondary School in Mayville, Durban, Mr Ngobese, was effected on 03 March 2026.
"The Department of Education notes with concern reports suggesting that the suspension of the principal was linked to the installation of cameras in classrooms at the school. These claims are incorrect and misleading.
"The decision to suspend the principal followed multiple instances of insubordination, including the alleged refusal to allow a teacher to assume duties after reinstatement by the Department."
Attempts to obtain comment from school governing body member Nomonde Mtumtum on the next course of action regarding the impasse were unsuccessful.
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