The Labour court has dismissed Wesley Neumann’s application to return to his post as principal of Heathfield High School pending further court proceedings.
The minister of education in the Western Cape (WCED), David Maynier, said he was happy that the labour court has put the best interests of the learners of Heathfield High School first,
“We have filed an application for leave to appeal the labour court judgment delivered in January this year,” Maynier commented.“And in terms of section 18(1) of the Superior Courts Act, the order to reinstate Wesley Neumann as principal is suspended.”
He applied for an exception to this rule, which the court has dismissed.
“The court further stated that theapplicant’s public interest argument or public support and/or sentiment does not advance the applicant’s case in any respect. Such considerations belong in the realm of politics, not in a judicial assessment of disputes and section 18 application. The fact that some members of the public or the school community support him merely reflects his popularity, not any legal basis for exceptional circumstances.”
Maynier said the court also found that not only had Neumann failed to provide evidence of irreparable harm to himself, he had also provided no evidence that the WCED would not suffer irreparable harm. In addition, his supporters have stated in their own communication to the media that should he return to Heathfield, the minister added, “There is a risk that the school could potentially be disrupted by supporters and actions of the community at large.
“As stated before,” Maynier pointed out, “Heathfield High School is finally flourishing and has just produced a matric pass rate of 89.9% – the school’s highest in 15 years.
“It would not have been in the best interests of the learners and school community for conditions as they were under Wesley Neumann to potentially recur pending the outcome of the appeal.”
Neumann’s application never had any prospects of success, and has only served to waste taxpayer money.
