Retired judge to preside over Soobrayan hearing

The appointment of Justice Willem van der Merwe comes after Soobrayan was placed on special leave, following allegations that were brought against him by the South African Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu).

In a statement, Basic Education spokesperson Panyaza Lesufi said: "[Soobrayan] was given 14 days within which to respond to the allegations against him and on 22 July 2013, having considered [his] submission, [Motshekga] has decided to allow for these matters to be ventilated in a disciplinary hearing.

"The minister has approached retired high court judge, Justice W van der Merwe, to preside at the hearing.

"The minister will allow [Soobrayan] to take special leave to afford him the space to adequately prepare his defence once the disciplinary process commences within a period of 10 days, as stipulated in the relevant prescripts."

Lesufi said Paddy Padayachee, the department's Deputy Director-General, would act in Soobrayan's position until the disciplinary processes have been concluded.