Investigation launched after Knysna High School learner uses racial slur during event

Knysna High School has launched an investigation after one of its pupils was captured using the K-word while being filmed by a peer during a school cheering event. 

In the video, the learners appear to be in the school hall, cheering, when the individual filming the video pans across the floor to a fellow female learner, who then starts shaking her head and says the K-word. She then closes her mouth in shock as she giggles. 

The individual filming, also a girl, and her friend standing next to her, also laughed on camera. 

In a letter to parents at the weekend, school principal, Mark Mosdel, confirmed an investigation into the matter has been launched.

“Meetings, interviews, and statements from all parties are part of this process. The Investigator will then make a report to the principal, who will refer the case to the School Governing Body (SGB) to organise a disciplinary hearing,” the letter read. 

It outlined the process the SGB would follow and the resources it would use. 

“As our school is very focused on a positive behaviour management system, the hearings are approached to be both corrective and restorative in their outcomes. Sanctions decided at these hearings will involve the WCED and community-based intervention programmes. The aim is to assist learners in making amends for their actions and being educated about both their actions and how to make better decisions,” it said. 

The school admitted its student leadership wanted to meet and discuss this matter. This could not take place due to meetings the principal had to attend. 

The school said it strongly condemned all acts of racism. 

The Cape Forum chairperson, Heindrich Wyngaard, said the organisation appreciated the transparency with which the principal handled the matter, among other things, through the letter he addressed to parents and learners. 

“Our organisation believes in mutual respect and recognition of South Africa’s diverse cultural society. We cannot excuse or justify any act of disrespect or racism – regardless of who commits it – from one group against another. When the alleged offence is as serious as the use of the k-word by a learner, it should be dealt with the same seriousness and severity,” he said. 

The organisation, whose main focus is education, said it would approach the school with an offer to host workshops for senior learners to be taught cultural sensitivity. 

“Cape Forum believes it is not enough simply to condemn the incident, but that something must be done about it. Our biggest fear is that the matter will be treated as an isolated incident, while racist sentiment may in fact be present among more learners. We are also concerned about the origin of the learner’s remark and call on the entire schooling community - learners, parents, teachers, staff, and local leaders - to assist with the educational task,” Wyngaard said. 

Cape Times