Brackenhurst Primary responds to allegations of racism at the school

BRACKENHURST Primary School has responded to allegations that have placed the school in poor standing following reports on media platforms.

This comes after a recent report, accompanied by photographs, alleging that Brackenhurst Primary School’s black employees are being made to eat and change in the toilets.

The allegation was made on Twitter by Marks Ramasike, who claimed to be a school governing body (SGB) member.

As reported by IOL news, allegations are that the employees, up to nine of them, shared the prefabricated toilet as both their eating area and change room, supposedly because of their race.

In a statement to parents on October 16, Brackenhurst Primary School principal Mrs Chandika Sing said the allegations were untrue.

“From the outset, I must contest the facts that claim our school is racist. We do not perpetuate any apartheid actions. The SGB and school management team (SMT) of Brackenhurst Primary are deeply committed to the health and safety of all staff members and learners,” she stated.

She also stated that district officials visited the school and met with the staff members.

“Two separate rooms, one for ladies and one for men, as it always has been, are allocated as change rooms. The staff uses the staff room and any other suitable area of their choosing to have their tea and lunch.

“Under no circumstances does any eating happen in the change rooms,” she concluded.

Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education, told the RECORD that they are aware of the allegations.

“We have since identified and allocated a suitable room to be utilised by the employees. The department has instituted an inquiry, which will lead to necessary disciplinary action against the implicated officials.

“We implore our schools to familiarise themselves with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies and adhere to fair labour practices at all times,” said Mabona.

Serika Ramsaru, a parent whose child is in the school, said Brackenhurst Primary treats its employees like family.

“They are a family. Any staff member, from the tea lady to groundskeepers and security, are treated with respect. The photos and story were disturbing. However, it is easy to judge without knowing the facts.

“I had employees who would never sit at the table with me to eat, but returned to their change room to have lunch. They also posted pictures on social media which got a negative response until the truth came out,” she said.