Calls have been made for further dialogue on race and racism at schools in order to uproot alleged discrimination still rearing its head at some institutions across the country.
This follows the suspension of 12 Pretoria High School for Girls pupils accused of racism. The Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation on Wednesday confirmed the suspensions.
The matter follows allegations by black learners that the white girls had set up a WhatsApp group chat to discuss them.
The black learners further claim that the principal and school’s management team did not take action following their complaints, and that white learners received preferential treatment from teachers.
The black learners also bemoaned the alleged selective application of the school code of conduct, with harsher treatment for black learners compared to white learners.
It is not the first time that the school has made headlines following allegations of racism. In 2016, a report was released detailing racist incidents at the school. At the time, learners protested, claiming the school did not allow them to have their natural hair or speak in African languages.
Departmental spokesperson Steve Mabona said according to the information at their disposal, on July 18, the school alerted the Tshwane South District about a planned protest by a group of learners scheduled for July 19. This was triggered by alleged racial connotations, micro-aggressions and complaints about black learners which were ventilated through a WhatsApp group.
“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.
“An urgent meeting was facilitated on the same day as the planned protest, and aggrieved learners were given the opportunity to voice their grievances,” Mabona explained.
Mabona said the suspended learners’ disciplinary hearing is expected to take place on July 30 and 31.
MEC Matome Chiloane said the district has launched an investigation to probe all mentioned allegations, especially against school employees accordingly.
“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.
Education activist Hendrick Makaneta called on the school to encourage dialogues on race and racism in order to uproot racism in schools.
Makaneta said: “There is no doubt that racism has long-term effects that can be devastating and, at times, can lead to depression and anxiety among victims. Some of the victims of racism also have suicidal thoughts.
“Government must find a way to come up with systemic changes by offering diversity training for staff and coming up with policies and consequences for racism. Disciplinary action alone is not enough to root out racism in schools. We need to hold schools accountable for not doing enough to encourage empathy and mutual respect amongst learners.“
He said the department should establish clear guidelines and mechanisms that should prioritise safety of all learners.
“In the absence of parents at schools, teachers automatically become parents.
Therefore teachers are duty bound to ensure that a conducive environment for learning and teaching is maintained,” he added.
Cape Times