This is part 8 of my story as I uncover the truth about what happened at St Stithians College (JHB, South Africa) in June 2020, bring the perpetrators and accessories to account, and try to stop the ongoing damage that is being done to children and teachers. Other parts are archived here.
The following open letter was sent via my attorney to Celeste Gilardi, Rector, St Stithians College, with copies to external auditors PwC South Africa
Dear Mrs Gilardi,
CALL FOR SUSPENSION OF THE HEAD OF GIRLS’ COLLEGE
In terms of the roles, responsibilities, and powers granted to you by the Constitution of St Stithians College including Section 7 and Annexure E, I hereby call upon you to suspend Dr Sally James as head of the girls’ college.
Dr James has committed several material breaches of the roles, responsibilities, and powers granted to her by the Constitution of St Stithians College including Section 8 and Annexure F including but not limited to item 1.1 and 2.7:
1.1 “Fiduciary responsibility for education and safety of learners within the School (including the duty of care and of good professional judgment and conduct)”
2.7 “To be responsible for all operational, financial, educational and disciplinary issues in the School”.
Malfeasant and negligent behaviour and actions by Dr James against my daughter between 31 May 2020 and 7 October 2020 are, as you are aware, a cause of litigation against St Stithians College in separate Regional Court and High Court matters.
Dr James’ suspension should be immediate and remain in effect pending the outcome of both court cases. Her suspension should be without pay, her remuneration package instead being paid into a separate fund (with independent attorneys) such that St Stithians can recoup some of the costs of defending the lawsuits and any rulings by the courts in favour of the plaintiffs.
If you choose not to suspend Dr James, then you may wish to consider terminating her contract with prejudice / damages such that St Stithians is able to retain some collateral against the costs and risks of defending the matters.
I write this letter mindful of several conflicts of interest involving at least 2 governors, 2 managers, 1 teacher, and 2 consultants, and pertaining to the orchestrated attacks during 2020 on approx. 20 teachers and 7 students. These conflicts include yourself due to your close family member being one of the accused, and who was absolved without trial. You have no doubt already read some parts of my story as published on MartinHumphries.substack.com and elsewhere.
Notwithstanding these conflicts of interest, you, as Rector and “chief executive officer of the College and agent of the Council”, have first and primary responsibility and accountability for the events that unfolded during 2020 and which continue to challenge St Stithians until such time as all matters are settled to my satisfaction.
Chief executive officers / rectors occasionally face some truly challenging situations in respect of which decisions must be made, including those which may be unpopular with some stakeholders. It is in these circumstances of critical importance to listen to all stakeholders and, whether you like it or not, I am currently a material stakeholder in St Stithians. It is in that context that I express my willingness in principle to meet with you, should you be interested, to consider the situation and the various possible outcomes.
If I do not hear back from you within 7 days, I will assume that you have chosen to ignore this letter and declined my requests as you did my 12 October 2020 letter, while also reserving my rights to take further and or alternative steps.
Yours sincerely,
Martin Humphries