Complaints have been pouring in concerning a foundation phase teacher, who is accused of often being missing during school hours. At least two parents of learners at Himalaya Heights Primary School complained to the Laudium Sun about a female teacher, Zakiya Shaik, who has often been seen at Aroma at the Engen Rooftop on Jewel Str, having coffee with Cllr Patel during school hours or attending events with him. The parents, who did not want their names to be revealed for fear of reprisals, added that they are on various social media groups related to matters of Laudium and Erasmia and have noticed Zakiya often posting news about Cllr Patel during school hours. The Laudium Sun went to the school to obtain a comment from Zakiya and the Principal, but we were told that Zakiya was unavailable. Principal, Nkululeko Blom, said he was not allowed to speak to the media and we should contact the Department. A teacher at the school told the Laudium Sun that she had heard a lot of stories about Zakiya, which were unbecoming of a teacher, but that she rather remained silent, otherwise she would be attacked.
The teacher added that if we wanted to know more about Zakiya, we should contact her ex husband, who had recently divorced her. However, the Laudium Sun did not want to get involved in domestic issues, but rather only with matters that could affect the teaching of her learners and thus decided not to call the ex.