The Grey Way

From the back cover

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke’s words encapsulate the essence of this book, for the good man in Deon Scheepers refused to do nothing when the battle between good and evil became extremely fierce.

School governing bodies have a governance function, and should abstain from meddling in the operations of schools. Many schools are indeed blessed with helpful and supportive actions of such members who assist the headmaster and his or her staff immeasurably in steering the school through troubled waters.

However, there is an elephant in the room for many principals when parent members elected to governing bodies hold views and intentions other than those prescribed by law and regulation. This is exactly what Deon Scheepers had to contend with at Grey College in Bloemfontein, when some parents seemed to think they can manipulate and/or override a headmaster who has years of study and experience in the field of education, as well as a solid track record.

Scheepers believed in the truth to the extent that he was willing to endure immense pressure and abuse, levelled not only at himself but also at his family, making true the words of Emiliano Zapata: “It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.”