By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Twelve students from Pretoria High School for Girls have been suspended amid allegations of racial discrimination at the school, the Gauteng Department of Education said on Wednesday.
According to spokesperson Steve Mabona, an investigation was launched to probe all the allegations, especially against school employees.
“According to information at our disposal, on Thursday, July 18, the school alerted the Tshwane South District about a planned protest by a group of learners scheduled for Friday, July 19.”
“This was triggered by alleged racial connotations, micro-aggressions, and complaints about black learners, which were ventilated through a WhatsApp Group comprised of white learners.”
He said the conversations 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 said an urgent meeting was facilitated on the same day as the planned protest, and aggrieved learners were given the opportunity to voice their grievances.
He added that the School Governing Body (SGB) immediately suspended all implicated learners, and their disciplinary hearing is scheduled to take place on July 30 and July 31.
The suspension has also drawn the attention of various human rights organizations and educational bodies, all calling for a comprehensive review of the school’s policies on racism and discrimination. They emphasize the need for educational institutions to foster an inclusive and respectful environment for all students.
Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane said his department would monitor the situation closely.
“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,” he said.
Pretoria High School for Girls has a history of promoting diversity and inclusivity. However, this recent incident highlights that there is still much work to be done to ensure that all students feel safe and respected, regardless of their race or background.