Rondebosch Boys High School headmaster Shaun Simpson says alleged racist comments and gestures made by Paarl Boys towards rugby and hockey players from his school will be investigated.
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Over the weekend, ugly scenes occurred when monkey gestures and noises were allegedly directed at Rondebosch players during their annual match against Paarl Boys High School.
According to reports, a hockey game had to be called off after players from the two schools clashed after a Rondebosch player was racially abused after being sent off. The next day, another incident occurred during one of the rugby matches.
In a letter to parents on Monday, Simpson stated that he will seek a report on what occurred before proceeding to the next step, which will be to write to Western Province Hockey and Rugby to request an investigation into the incident.
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‘I will communicate my concerns in writing to the management of Paarl Boys,’ Simpson wrote.
‘While I have no ability to control what steps the school may or may not take, I would hope that they go through introspection and an investigation of their own.
‘I was sent a voice note from a black scholar at Paarl Boys decrying what occurred and so on the balance of probabilities, I can only conclude that what has been reported is exactly what happened.’
The incident was brought to light when Bishops coach Senna Esterhuizen. ‘Heavy heartbreaking racism came from Paarl Boys High boys this weekend,’ he posted on X. ‘Friday night a hockey game gets called off due to monkey gestures, yesterday making monkey noises towards one of the rugby boys.. this is tough to watch, the kid looks broken. Hope they dealt with big time.’
The post has subsequently been deleted.
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Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Galllo Images