Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has asserted that it will not tolerate discrimination and racism whether or not there is tangible evidence.
This concerning statement encapsulates the developments at Pretoria High School for Girls (PHSG) and has sparked a significant debate on justice and the handling of allegations.
Albert Einstein once said: “Condemnation without investigation is the height of ignorance.”
The PHSG saga is a stark reminder of how abandoning fairness, due process, and rushing to judgment erodes trust in our institutions and causes unnecessary harm. The GDE’s actions highlight these dangers.
In July 2024, 12 Grade 12 learners at PHSG were suspended due to allegations of racism related to discussions in a WhatsApp group. Following disciplinary hearings chaired by an independent advocate, all twelve students were found not guilty.
Despite the outcome, the GDE decided to suspend the school principal and transferred her deputy to the district office, citing the need for further investigation into the school’s “culture of racism”.
These actions raised concerns about procedural fairness and the department’s apparent disregard for due process.
Parents of the suspended learners received vague letters referencing “inappropriate opinions” without explaining the alleged misconduct or the rules violated. This lack of clarity underscored accusations of the department’s heavy-handedness in handling the allegations.
The educators’ suspension contravened the provisions of the Employment of Educators Act. This Act specifies that a suspension should not last longer than three months without a completed disciplinary hearing. Additionally, it mandates the provision of clear charge sheets to enable educators to defend themselves.
Statements made by GDE officials during the process were not only dismissive of evidence but also divisive. At a school assembly, a GDE official condemned the learners before the disciplinary hearing had concluded.
GDE spokesperson, Steve Mabona, falsely stated on live television that the disciplinary hearing had “not said anything on racism”.
Former president Thabo Mbeki criticised this as an “absolute fabrication”, pointing out that the hearing explicitly addressed the racism allegations and found no evidence to support the charges.
Mr Mabona’s misrepresentation and the department’s “disappointment” at the hearing’s outcome reveal a concerning bias.
The investigation, led by Mdladlamba Attorneys, was flawed from the outset. Originally intended to last seven days, it dragged on for three months and deviated significantly from its initial terms of reference.
When no evidence of a “culture of racism” was found, the investigation shifted its focus to unrelated matters, leading to baseless findings and allegations against various educators and staff.
Some may argue that an investigation was warranted. However, the learners had already been exonerated through a fair process, and the school’s leadership acted appropriately.
Heavy-handed responses such as these alienate learners and educators and create unnecessary conflict within the school. This is what happened at PHSG.
The independent investigative report, if one can call it that, has recommended misconduct investigations against the principal, deputy principal, and other school staff.
However, the report has not been released, which prevents those implicated from questioning its findings. While protecting the identities of witnesses is understandable, the report should be made public with any confidential information redacted. Transparency is crucial for restoring trust and ensuring accountability in this matter.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls for the immediate dismissal of these unfounded misconduct charges. The educators and staff at PHSG deserve to carry on with their work free from the burden of unsubstantiated allegations.
For transparency and fairness, the GDE should release the investigative report with any confidential information redacted, allowing for proper scrutiny of its findings.
The DA welcomes the court action taken by the School Governing Body to compel the report release and halt any actions based on its flawed recommendations. This legal step underscores the importance of accountability and the right to defend one’s reputation against unjustified claims.
The DA has consistently condemned the GDE’s handling of this matter and emphasised the need for a transparent and just process.
Mbeki echoed our sentiments in his 13-page letter to Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC Matome Chiloane, describing the GDE’s actions as an “abuse of power” and urging the department to honestly reflect on its role in this controversy.
It is high time that the GDE prioritises fairness and integrity over political posturing. The DA in Gauteng will continue to hold the GDE accountable for its hasty decisions that are destabilising our schools.
Sergio Isa dos Santos MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education.
The Star