The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is aware that about 12 learners from Pretoria High School for Girls were suspended in response to allegations of racism at the school.
According to information at our disposal, on Thursday, 18 July 2024, the school alerted the Tshwane South District about a planned protest by a group of learners scheduled for Friday, 19 July 2024.
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.
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, which included:
1. Alleged racism and a WhatsApp group created by, and consisting of, only white learners where alleged racial micro-aggressions were channelled 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.
Accordingly, the School Governing Body (SGB) immediately suspended all implicated learners, and their disciplinary hearing is scheduled to take place on 30 and 31 July 2024.
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 Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation MEC Matome Chiloane.