The Curro Academy Protea Glen Primary School in Soweto has been rocked by a racism scandal after its executive head called a fellow black female teacher a monkey.
Nonkululeko Gwatyu (29) alleges that Shanette Tiquin, who is in her 50s, called her a monkey on the school’s premises in Protea Glen on June 3.
Gwatyu did not take the matter lying down and filed a formal complaint against Tiquin.
In her grievance, Gwatyu said Tiquin summoned her to her office to discuss her outstanding leave application in the presence of her colleague Lindiwe Khumalo. In the middle of their discussion, she alleges, Tiquin spewed the disparaging word.
“This communication serves as a formal grievance to say Mrs Tiquin deeply offended me in an unimaginable manner. I would like your intervention so that we reach an amicable solution. I feel that it was an extremely racist remark, and it will be difficult for me to see her in a positive light if this is not properly mediated,” reads Gwatyu’s grievance letter to Curro human resources head Beverley Bennett.
A few days later, Gwatyu alleged that she was called by Curro’s head of operations Fergus Sampson, who told her that he did not advocate for the people to lose their jobs over things they have said.
She alleged that Sampson told her that the incident was a learning opportunity and he was willing to organise a meeting for them to iron out their differences.
Tiquin and Sampson refused to respond to detailed questions concerning the accusation of racism. Curro’s public relations officer Nadia Rossouw confirmed that Gwatyu filed a formal complaint against Tiquin.
“Curro Holdings is aware of an incident at Curro Academy Protea Glen that involves allegations by a teacher that she was spoken to in a derogatory and discriminatory manner by a senior member of staff during a recent incident at the school.
“The group has taken these allegations seriously and an investigation is underway.
However, the details surrounding this case are complex and an external mediator has been appointed to assist with the mediation process. Given the fact that the mediation process is ongoing, the group will not be sharing any further details,” said Rossouw.
Speaking to Sunday World, Gwatyu said Tiquin asked her if it was fair that she “must follow up on me and other monkeys”.
“However after I have reacted to her remarks, she quickly snapped and redeemed herself, and said that she was also a monkey.
“Shanette tried to be nice after she had realised that I was offended and started making me feel better.
“However, I didn’t care as I was pained because her words hit me like a sharp object in my heart,” Gwatyu said.
She said Tuquin later sent her an email and apologised.
The email, which we have seen, reads in parts: “Mrs Khumalo informs me that you have taken an offence when I used the word “monkey” today. I humbly apologise I offended you.
“Monkey is unfortunately a sensitive word in our country and thereafter a poor choice on my part. Clearly my exhaustion clouded my judgment.
“I would like to remind you, however, that I used the word in reference to myself – not you.”
NB:Email correspondences from the white Executive Head of Curro Protea Glen Shanette Tiquin to the black Curro teacher Nonkululeko Gwatyu.. see emails
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