Twelve learners from Pretoria High School for Girls have been suspended following allegations of racism at school.
Spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education Steve Mabona says according to information at their disposal the School alerted the Tshwane South District about a planned protest organised by the learners scheduled for the 19th of July which was discussed and planned on a WhatsApp group, solely consisting of white learners.
He says this was triggered by alleged racial connotations, micro-aggressions and complaints about black learners which were ventilated through the group.
Mabona says 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.
He says 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.
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.
