Milnerton High parent wants protestors probed over hate speech, rights violations

THE South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has warned against the use of hate speech over the Milnerton high school bullying incident, having “noted a flurry of social media activity regarding this matter”.

This comes after receiving a complaint from a parent about alleged violations of children’s rights during recent protests at the school.

The protests were sparked by a video that first circulated on social media showing a Grade 10 boy being assaulted by a group of older pupils in what was initially described as some type of initiation. Six pupils were charged with assault in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court and released on R2000 bail.

In the complaint, the parent asked the SAHRC to  develop guidelines that balance the right to protest at schools with the protection of pupils’ constitutional rights and the prosecution of those guilty of hate speech and inciting violence online. 

"I have laid a complaint with the Human Rights Commission against the organisers of protests at our school during matric exams, social media users who have doxxed people involved in this incident and incited violence against them (one accused escaped an intentional hit and run) and also the(Select Committee on Education, Science and the Creative Industries) which has prematurely characterised this incident as racially motivated," the parent said.

According to the parent of a Grade 9 pupil, the incident has affected the entire school community. Many pupils reportedly felt fearful during the protest, especially after social media posts called for the boys involved to be killed. Some pupils were also allegedly targeted on public transport.

“Protesters, dressed in their organisational branding and party regalia for maximum media exposure, intimidated learners and the school community for two days. They needlessly disrupted matrics, who have worked for 12 years to get to this crucial point that will impact their future trajectory. Grade 10 entrance exams had to be postponed, and the kids struggled to move in and out of the school safely. They contributed absolutely nothing to the issue given that all the necessary steps had already been taken.” 

The SAHRC said the complaint would now be forwarded for assessment by the provincial manager. 

“The complaint is to be assessed to determine whether any of the utterances complained of amounted to prohibited speech in terms of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.”

Cape Times