Twelve Pretoria girls have been suspended by Pretoria High School for Girls for allegations of racism.

The school’s governing body (SGB) is set to hold a disciplinary hearing later this month after black learners reported that the white girls had set up a WhatsApp group chat to discuss them.

The black learners further claim that the principal and school’s management team did not take action following their complaints, and that white learners received preferential treatment from teachers.

The black learners also bemoaned the alleged selective application of the school code of conduct, with harsher treatment for black learners compared to white learners.

Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has on Wednesday confirmed the suspension of 12 learners.

The departmental spokesperson Steve Mabona said according to the information at their disposal, on Thursday, July 18, the school alerted the Tshwane South District about a planned protest by a group of learners scheduled for Friday, July 19.

This was triggered by alleged racial connotations, micro-aggressions and complaints about black learners which were ventilated through a WhatsApp group.

“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.

“An urgent meeting was facilitated on the same day as the planned protest, and aggrieved learners were given the opportunity to voice their grievances,” Mabona explained.

Mabona said the suspended learners’ disciplinary hearing is expected to take place on July 30 and 31.

Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation MEC Matome Chiloane said the district has launched an investigation to probe all mentioned allegations, especially against school employees accordingly.

“A school environment where racism and discrimination are prevalent, whether covert or subtle, compromises the right to education in a safe and equitable environment for all learners.

“Indeed, action must be taken against any conduct that threatens order and discipline at our institutions, especially conduct that undermines the dignity of learners. We will continue to monitor the situation closely,” said Chiloane.

It is not the first time that the school has been hit with racism allegations. In 2016, a report was released detailing racist incidents at the school. At the time, it was reported that learners protested, claiming the school did not allow them to have their natural hair or speak in African languages.

The Star

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