'Toxic' school rugby culture may have fueled Milnerton High School assault

SPORT, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie says the Milnerton High School bullying incident highlights a “toxic culture” in some schools where privileged rugby players may feel “untouchable” and exempt from accountability for egregious behaviour. 

He made the remarks hours before six pupils, some believed to be part of the school’s rugby team, appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court and were released on R2000 bail each over the assault captured on video.  

The NPA said the six accused are facing eight charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. While there were allegedly eight boys involved, the two minors were not charged. One minor was assessed and released on warning.

The other one will be assessed on Friday but was also released into the care of his parents. The case has been postponed until January to allow the pupils to write exams. 

“The accused will study at home and the Western Cape Department of Education has provided an alternative venue for them to write exams - Metro North District Office,” NPA spokesperson,  Eric Ntabazalila, said. 

The incident showing a 16-year-old grade 10 learner being beaten by his grade 11 peers is believed to have taken place earlier this month. 

McKenzie said he had engaged the South African Rugby Union (Saru) to discuss the way forward.

“This hurts us all, and we need to do everything in our power to ensure that the sport of rugby promotes a culture of protecting the vulnerable,” said McKenzie.

“Our Springboks have become heroes in the eyes of our people, and all rugby players must be inculcated with the culture that they too are heroes and should act like heroes.”

In his letter to Saru President Mark Alexander and CEO Rian Oberholzer, McKenzie requested that the union intervene, however possible, stressing the importance of reforming the players to prevent further harm, while acknowledging the value of second chances.

Alexander condemned bullying and said the sport prides itself on respect and integrity, regardless of its physical nature.

“It is unfortunate and unfair that a schoolyard incident has been linked to our sport, but we take this opportunity to underline rugby's values. Our sport teaches discipline, humility and empathy - values that are foundational to a child’s development and to the spirit of our sport.

“We would have welcomed the opportunity to work with the school regarding this unacceptable behaviour, but the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the education department. I am confident that both the school and the department will take the sternest possible view once all the facts have been established. Individuals who engage in bullying are not welcome in our sport. I urge all young men and women aspiring to build a future in rugby to heed this warning: bullying is totally unacceptable,” Alexander said. 

Cape Times