The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has launched an investigation into the installation of CCTV cameras inside classrooms at Umkhumbane Secondary School in Durban, following a boycott by teachers who say they were not consulted.
Educators at the Chesterville-based school refused to work after the cameras were fitted, bringing teaching and learning to a standstill for several days.
According to the department, teachers raised concerns about the lack of prior engagement before the surveillance system was introduced, prompting provincial officials to step in.
Spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said the head of department has formally instructed the school governing body and principal to remove the cameras and restart the process.
“The head of department has written to the school governing body and the principal instructing them to remove the cameras and start afresh the process of installation,” Mahlambi said.
He added that any future plans would involve consultation with educators to ensure collective agreement on how and where the cameras are installed.
The department said the review aims to balance safety and accountability with teachers’ rights and workplace concerns, as authorities work to restore normal schooling at the institution.