Former Heathfield High School headmaster Wesley Neumann took his case to the Cape Town Labour Court to challenge a ruling by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) that upheld his dismissal in June 2023. Neumann initiated a review application in July 2023, and the case was deliberated last week.
Neumann was ousted by the Western Cape Department of Education on 20 May 2022, following five misconduct charges, including failing to comply with a directive to ensure Grade 12 students were present at school and sending an accusatory email to then-head of department, Brian Schreuder.
After his conviction, Neumann appealed to the then-Western Cape Education MEC, Debbie Schafer, who offered him a demotion, which he declined. Neumann argued that, despite widespread participation in a campaign for school closures, he was the only employee disciplined.
The Western Cape Department of Education defended the fairness of Neumann’s dismissal, citing procedural and substantive justifications. Neumann stated his primary concern was the safety of children, advocating for a return to school only when health and safety measures were in place. A ‘special action committee’ supporting Neumann’s legal challenge highlighted his integrity.
Meanwhile, Craig Dowman, a parent of a Grade 12 student, filed a separate application to the Western Cape High Court to halt the recruitment process for a new headmaster at Heathfield High School.
Dowman and other parents endorsed Neumann for his significant contributions, noting the school’s 84% matric pass rate in 2020 under his leadership. After Neumann’s dismissal, the school experienced a transition period with seven interim principals, including two circuit managers.