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WENDY MOTHATA |
GAUTENG MEC of Education Panyaza Lesufi on Monday announced that South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) would step in and investigate the alleged racism at the Hoërskool Jan Viljoen in Randfontein, Gauteng.
Lesufi visited Jan Viljoen High School in Randfontein on Monday following violent incident that took place amongst learners at the school.
Lesufi said that racism and other forms of discrimination should be eliminated.
“The purpose of the visit was to obtain a report from the school leadership on the incident. that occurred at the school on Friday, 11 February 2022,” said spokesperson Oupa Bodibe.
Lesufi said that the incident at the schools reflects ‘deep-seated’ racist attitudes in the schools and community.
He said that the department must ensure that the school is fully transformed and is a safe and welcoming space for all people regardless of their race, class or religion.
“Racism and other forms of discrimination should be eliminated. The incident at the schools reflects deep-seated racist attitudes in our schools and community. We must grasp this opportunity to ensure that the school is fully transformed and is a safe and welcoming space for all people regardless of their race, class or religion. We appeal to everyone to give this process and opportunity and not incite violence,” said Lesufi.
According to Bodibe, Lesufi met with different stakeholders including the SGB, the Principal, the School Management Team (SMT), the Police, the learners and the staff.
“The meeting received a briefing from the School Principal, the SGB and the Police. Subsequently, the MEC met with learner, parents of the affected learners, the learners at the schools and educators. MEC Lesufi also addressed the community that was gathered outside of the school,” Bodibe said.
During Lesufi’s interaction with the learners at the school, one of the learners said, “racism was there in the past, but it’s not like it is now. I’m not safe at Jan Viljoen.”
Another learner said: “What happened on Friday is very wrong however, only white kids are protected in the school. White kids are treated differently but we all pay school fees. We, children from Jan Viljoen we don’t feel safe.”
The school released a statement on Facebook on Sunday, citing that the investigation is underway and guilty parties will be punished.
“The School as well as the Board of Directors have been busy investigating the incident all weekend. We assure you that the guilty parties will be punished in terms of the SA School Law and the school’s code of conduct.”
According to Gauteng Department of Education the following actions will be implemented:
1. Racism from any quarter is condemned and will be attacked;
2. The Principal has collated evidence and has requested anyone with information to come forward with the information. This evidence will be given to the South Africa Human Rights Commission, the Police and the SGB for further investigation;
3. The Police will continue with the investigation of the 4 cases and submit to the NPA for a decision;
4. The South African Human Rights Commission will be requested to investigate allegations of racism and other forms of discrimination;
5. The SGB must continue with Disciplinary Action against the perpetrators;
6. A staff member employed by the SGB accused of sexual harassment will be placed on precautionary suspensions. Department of Social Development will take statements from any interest party;
7. The Department will implement a programme of Diversity Management to assist the school as it goes through the crucible of transformation;
8. In-contact classes will be suspended until Thursday 15 February. Lessons will be provided remotely through online and other means;
9. A parents meeting will be convened on Thursday.
–Inside Education