By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The principal at Pretoria High School for Girls, Phillipa Erasmus, has been placed on the precautionary suspension for three months, pending investigation into allegations of racism.
The suspension of the principal was announced by Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane on Tuesday.
Briefing the media on the progress of the investigations, Chiloane announced eight of the 12 suspended pupils are prefects at the school.
“They were withdrawn immediately, together with the privileges that come with that particular endorsement, support or approval of being a prefect,” he said.
The MEC further said the precautionary suspension of the principal follows investigations that uncovered new evidence, including previous complaints about racism from last year.
One of the whistle-blowers got victimised, but she did come forward and we were able to get that evidence.”
So, based on, that while we are still busy with the disciplinary process, we have taken a decision to suspend the principal of the school up until we conclude this matter.
“We have appointed the deputy principal, one of the deputies, to come and act in the interim, “Chiloane continued.
“The principal knew about this matter from last year in 2023. There was a report and there was no action taken then.”
Chiloane noted that some teachers were implicated.
“We are also looking at other educators as well. We’ll ask them to report to the district up until the investigation is done. I’m not going to mention any names, don’t ask me who,” he said.
Chiloane emphasised that he could not predetermine an outcome of the disciplinary process against the pupils.
“We’ll see what happens post-the disciplinary process by the SBG [school governing body] in this regard. But I can’t shy away that racism is a problem and racism is up there with some of the worst forms of crimes that can happen.
“Racism is just equally as bad; it’s violence to one’s psyche. These learners that experience this discrimination had to undergo counselling.”
The MEC confirmed that some of the suspended pupils are in Grade 12, which raises concerns about their upcoming preliminary examinations.
“Yes, I am worried that some of the learners are matriculants, but there should be programmes structured around how the learner is supported outside the process. It should be understood that there is always repercussions for actions.”
Meanwhile the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Tshwane has since welcomed the principal’s suspension.
“We shall continue monitoring the situation and ensure that racism is rooted from the school,” EFF Tshwane leader Obakeng Ramabodu, who was part of the protests outside the school, said on X.