Alleged racial slur in school of serious concern

BRAAMFONTEIN – The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation expresses its concern over allegations that a history teacher has been making racist comments in a classroom at the National School of the Arts in Braamfontein.

Media reports state that the teacher allegedly called black people “demons” and insinuated that they could not govern efficiently.

What is concerning about the matter, is not only the racist views that were allegedly expressed, but the fact that the teacher taught Grade 8 History.

“History, and the understanding and teaching thereof, is a key component of interpreting our past and the current processes of change. If a history teacher – who one would assume has sufficient knowledge of the horrors of racism and apartheid – makes such comments, then we should be gravely concerned,” said Neeshan Balton, Director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.

While political commentary and critical reflection are perfectly acceptable in any academic institution, these must be based on rational and intellectual foundations.

Balton, however, commended the pupil – who informed her mother about the alleged comments – for taking a stand. “This is the type of courage that is needed to combat the scourge of racism in our society. Young people should not accept it if a teacher expresses discriminatory views in a classroom. It should not be tolerated.”

He also urged the Department of Education and the school governing body to take a strong stance against the teacher, if she is indeed found guilty.

Balton further emphasised the need to prevent such cases from occurring. “Schools are supposed to be at the centre of transformation, because they have the potential to inculcate the principles of non-racialism and equality within children. It is disappointing that such an incident, if it has in fact occurred, took place within a school. We hope that in future, there can be specific training for teachers around issues of race and transformation to help prevent racial incidents,” he added.