The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has launched an investigation into alleged racism at Pretoria high school for girls.
The commission received complaints about learners who created an exclusively whites only WhatsApp group. The group was allegedly used for racial attacks on black learners.
After finding out about the secret racial group, black learners from the school planned a protest. The planned protest was against persistent racism.
Exclusive whites only student WhatsApp group
Wisani Baloyi, SAHRC spokesperson, confirmed that that the commission was looking into the allegations at the school.
“Upon learning about the incident, the commission opened own accord investigation on the matter,” said Baloyi.
Nkululeko Dunga, EFF provincial chairperson, said the SAHRC should genuinely address racism at schools. It should not just address single out matters that they investigate.
He said the school should be held accountable. The EFF chair added that the legal framework governing basic education should also be transformed.
Dunga also suggested that the department prioritises mental health of the victimised learners. This they can do by offering necessary support and ensuring that they return to a conducive learning environment.
EFF condemns the school’s ‘prevalent racism culture’
“It is evident that racism continues to permeate the culture of Preoria Girls High School unabated. Since the 2016 protests, when black learners challenged the school’s discriminatory code of conduct on black hair, little has been done to address systematic issues within the school.
“Furthermore, the incident that triggered the recent events has been ongoing since 2020. This with school management aware, but consistently failing to take corrective action. Thus invalidating the genuine concerns and feelings of black learners,” said Dunga.
Gauteng education department spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed the matter. He said that the 12 learners implicated in the racist WhatsApp group have been suspended. Their disciplinary hearings have been scheduled for July 30 and 31, he said.
Education MEC takes action, learners suspended
Education MEC Matome Chiloane said anything that disturbs effective teaching and learning should be attended to.
“A school environment where racism and discrimination are prevalent, whether covert or subtle, compromises the right to education in a safe and equitable environment for all learners.
“Indeed, action must be taken against any conduct that threatens order and discipline at our institutions. Especially conduct that undermines the dignity of learners. We will continue to monitor the situation closely,” said Chiloane.
