The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is investigating two reports of racism in Cape Town schools following a public outcry from parents and political parties.
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This comes after two shocking reports of racist behaviour at Table View High School and Pinelands High School in less than a week.
In the first incident, a white substitute teacher at Table View High School was accused of using a racial slur during a history lesson on July 17. Parents reported that the teacher used the k-word with Grade 12 students.
In the second incident, coloured students at Pinelands High School were caught ‘selling’ their black classmates during a mock auction.
The incident was captured on a mobile camera and later posted on social media.
Merle Potgieter, a concerned parent, reported this to the school management.
Zena Nair, the SAHRC Western Cape provincial manager, confirmed yesterday that they were aware of the incidents.
‘I confirm that the Western Cape Police Ombudsman is aware of both these matters and that same are being investigated,’ Nair said.
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In a letter to SAHRC commissioner Chris Nissen, Masizole Mnqasela of the Alliance for Citizens of Change (ACC) called for an immediate investigation and a zero-tolerance policy towards racism.
‘The above two incidents are the epitome of a large deficiency in our ability to foster social cohesion in our society.’
‘Our schools remain the bedrock and microcosm of our societal norms and standards. There is no place for hate in South Africa; all those who seek to spread hate and division must be held accountable and punished for their crimes,’ Mnqasela said.
Following the incident at Pinelands High School, ANC MPL Khalid Sayed, the opposition leader in the Western Cape legislature, stated that a broad investigation into racism in Cape schools was required.
Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), confirmed that the department is aware of the video.
‘The school management has engaged with the staff and learners.’
‘The SGB has convened and a number of learners have been precautionarily suspended pending the conclusion of an ongoing investigation,’ Hammond said.
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Picture: Table View High School