The Western Cape education community at Lower Crossroads High School will gain a permanent head from January 2027, the ANC caucus in the provincial legislature said on Monday, ending months of concern over the absence of sustained leadership at the school.
Political pressure and community concern
The appointment comes after the ANC raised the matter in the provincial legislature earlier this month, arguing the school had suffered from a lack of permanent leadership. The party’s provincial Leader of the Opposition, Khalid Sayed, described the development as important for learners, educators, parents and the School Governing Body (SGB).
“Learners, educators, parents and the School Governing Body deserve certainty, stability and leadership that can focus on strengthening governance, teaching and learning, discipline, and the overall functioning of the school,”
Sayed said the ANC had tabled a motion on 3 September 2026 to draw attention to the appointment process and to press for stable leadership. According to the party, the motion was rejected by the DA, but the ANC welcomed that the situation has now progressed to the point where a permanent principal will take office in January.
Why leadership matters at the school
School communities often point to a permanent principal as central to consistent governance, improved teaching and learning, and discipline — all factors Sayed listed as priorities. The ANC caucus said the appointment should bring much-needed certainty and allow the new principal to work with stakeholders to address outstanding issues.
The ANC also framed the outcome as an example of parliamentary oversight working: that concerns raised by communities and pursued in the legislature can prompt action by relevant authorities. It urged the education department to provide support to ensure a smooth transition.
Immediate expectations
While the ANC set out broad expectations, it did not identify the appointee by name in its statement. The party emphasised collaboration between the incoming principal and the whole school community, and called on the provincial education department to assist during the handover.
- Short-term priorities: stabilise governance and restore routine administrative functions.
- Medium-term work: focus on teaching quality, learner discipline and parental engagement.
- Support needed: departmental assistance for the handover and capacity building for staff and the SGB.
| Key date | Event |
|---|---|
| 3 September 2026 | ANC motion raised in the Western Cape Provincial Legislature about the principal appointment process |
| January 2027 | Permanent principal expected to assume office |
The ANC underlined that the new leadership should focus on strengthening governance and teaching and learning at the school. It also said the appointment demonstrated the value of raising community concerns in the legislature and following them up with the relevant authorities.
What next for the school community
The SGB, parents and staff will now look to the provincial education department for clear timelines and support measures during the transition. The ANC said it expects the department to ensure the incoming principal can begin work without delays and with the necessary backing to address the school’s challenges.
For learners and educators at Lower Crossroads High, a permanent principal represents the prospect of renewed stability after a period of uncertainty. How quickly improvements in classroom practice and governance follow will depend on the resources and cooperation the new principal receives from both the department and the local school community.
Local residents and stakeholders who raised the issue in the provincial legislature will be watching the handover closely to see whether the promised stability translates into measurable gains in school functioning and learner outcomes.
