In an unexpected development, the Gauteng Education Department has announced the permanent closure of Crowthorne Academy in response to the escalating controversy surrounding the school’s hair policy.
Gauteng education dept shuts down Crowthorne Academy: Here’s everything we know
The decision, outlined in a statement released on Friday, has raised questions about the fate of the students and the implications of this decision on their education.
Crowthorne Academy allegedly locked department officials out of premises
The Gauteng Education Department had initially aimed to engage with Crowthorne Academy in a collaborative process to address concerns related to its hair policy as well as the institution’s illegal status.
However, tensions escalated when the department’s officials were allegedly denied access to the school premises on multiple occasions.
“We have made multiple attempts to reach out to the school’s management, through various forms of communication and physical visits with law enforcement agencies, but the school refuses to open its gates and respond to our communication,” the department noted.
According to the department’s statement, the school’s refusal to cooperate and the aggressive stance taken by the school’s management prompted the decision to close the institution.
What will happen to Crowthorne Academy pupils?
The department issued a statement explaining its decision to permanently close Crowthorne Academy.
The school’s persistent refusal to engage with the department, coupled with the alleged lockout of officials, led to the conclusion that the school was operating outside the bounds of legality.
Consequently, the department stated its intention to place the affected students in alternative schools, emphasising its commitment to providing effective education.
With the closure of Crowthorne Academy, the Gauteng Education Department is tasked with ensuring a smooth transition for the affected students.
The department has expressed its willingness to support the student’s education by relocating them to alternative educational institutions. Parents have been urged to reach out to the department for assistance and guidance regarding the placement of their children in suitable schools.
Eskom distances itself from Andries Hendrik Booysen
Coincidentally, the decision to shut down the school came shortly after Eskom, the national electricity supplier, released a statement concerning Andries Hendrik Booysen, the husband of the school’s principal.
Booysen is currently facing assault charges in connection to an incident involving a Grade 8 pupil that sparked a race row.
Eskom clarified that Booysen is not an employee of the company.
While he had previously worked as a contractor through a third party until July 2021, Eskom stated that they are investigating whether he had been subcontracted to any of their suppliers.
The closure of Crowthorne Academy raises questions about the wider implications of school policies and the role of education authorities in addressing matters of social relevance within educational institutions.
Andries Hendrik Booysen, who had been associated with the controversy surrounding Crowthorne Academy, is currently out on bail and is expected to appear in court on 2 October 2023.