FOLLOWING a Facebook post that went viral on Monday, Gauteng Education Department has made it clear that no learner would be expelled from school because of her hair.
Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi visited Windsor House Academy on Tuesday afternoon after a group of learners, including eight matric pupils, were told to leave the school premises on Monday morning because of their “inappropriate hairstyles”.
The story went viral after one of the matric learners’ aunt, Siyabonga Ngwenya, posted on Facebook that her niece and a group of other pupils were chased away from the school because their hair was braided.
After meeting with the school’s principal, Mariette van Heerden, and the learners, Lesufi has given them three months to sort out issues around the school’s code of conduct and hair rules.
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Lesufi asked the learners to nominate five of their peers who would, for the next three months, liaise with school management on behalf of the rest of the girls. He would return to check on the progress in due time.
In the meantime, the girls will be allowed to keep their braids until the issue has been resolved.
Ngwenya said she was happy and relieved that the department came to the school to address the matter.
“I would like to thank each and every person that gave a voice to these girls – they appreciate each and every one of you who engaged and continue to be in their corner,” Ngwenya said.
In a statement issued by the department late on Tuesday afternoon, the department said learners were given the opportunity to raise their concerns, which included their hair referred to as ‘unruly hair’ in relation to afro hair styles; no braids allowed and only two plaits of rows permitted; and lack of concern by the school for their safety when they were kicked out of the premises.
School management and the MEC have agreed to suspend the school’s code of conduct for three months pending a review.
It is expected that a new code of conduct will be implemented once there has been a consultative process involving parents, learners and educators.
“This is a human rights issue and we take allegations of racism very seriously, hence we felt it is necessary for us to come,” said Lesufi.
Lesufi praised the school for its excellent academic record and encouraged them to focus on school work while this matter was being addressed.
The department will monitor the situation and support the school over the next three months to align its code of conduct with the Constitution, which promotes diversity.
