By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Pinelands High School students in the Western Cape have been suspended for their involvement in an racial incident pending the outcome of an investigation.
The suspension follows a video shared on WhatsApp and leaked to the media shows at least two male black pupils behind a gate in a fenced-off area as several mixed-race “coloured” students appear to be shouting bids for them.
The video, which cannot be published as it depicts the faces of minors, shows the ‘auctioneer’ calling for silence before starting the bidding at R100 000. Bids quickly escalate, with some reaching R200 million. At one point, a black student is seen standing inside the cage, smiling, while the auctioneer yells ‘Sold!’
The children were all dressed in what appeared to be variations of Pinelands High School’s uniform.
The ‘deeply disturbing and hurtful’ video resembled scenes from between 1658 and 1807 when an estimated 63 000 people were taken from their homes and forcibly brought to a designated area to be sold as slaves.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said it was disturbed by the incident and had conducted interviews with the students involved.
“The actions of the learners do not reflect the values and ethos of the WCED, nor the school. The school had already initiated an investigation into the event in terms of its disciplinary procedures following an allegation of racist bullying,” said spokesperson Bronagh Hammond.
Hammond said counselling was being offered to learners at the school.
South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) secretary-general Mugwena Maluleke said the incident should be condemned.
“The suspension is necessary to allow investigations to proceed,” he told eNCA.
The reports of racism at the schools persist 30 years after the first all-race election in 1994 put an end to white minority rule under the apartheid system.
The incident came just days after 12 Pretoria High School for Girls students were suspended over racist text messages.
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.