By Phenyo Selinda
Pretoria High School for Girls has suspended 12 learners following serious allegations of racism. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) confirmed their awareness of the incident and has issued a statement regarding the matter.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to the GDE’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, the school notified the Tshwane South District on Thursday, 18 July 2024, about a planned protest by a group of learners scheduled for Friday, 19 July 2024. This protest was triggered by alleged racial connotations, micro-aggressions, and complaints about black learners, which were discussed in a WhatsApp group comprising white learners.
“The conversations allegedly included racial commentary about the ongoing dissatisfaction among black learners regarding issues they faced at the school, alluding to these issues being insignificant. Similar commentary about a black hair protest by learners that reportedly took place at the school in 2016 was also made in the group chat,” Mabona stated.
Immediate Actions Taken by the School
In response to the situation, an urgent meeting was facilitated on the day of the planned protest. Aggrieved learners were given the opportunity to voice their grievances, which included several serious allegations:
1. Alleged racism and a WhatsApp group created by, and consisting of, only white learners where alleged racial micro-aggressions were channeled about other learners.
2. Alleged repeated instances of racism with little to no action taken by the principal.
3. Alleged non-responsiveness by the principal in addressing reported cases of racism.
4. Alleged bullying incidents not being addressed by the School Management Team.
5. Alleged preferential treatment of white learners by the principal and some staff members.
6. Alleged selective application of the school code of conduct, with harsher treatment for black learners compared to white learners.Disciplinary Actions and Investigation
Following the meeting, the School Governing Body (SGB) immediately suspended all implicated learners. Their disciplinary hearing is scheduled for 30 and 31 July 2024. The District has also launched an investigation to probe all mentioned allegations, particularly those against school employees.
MEC’s Statement on the Situation
Matome Chiloane, the MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, emphasized the importance of addressing racism in schools. “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. 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.”
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