The protest at the school was peaceful with local police, traffic officers, security companies and the community policing forum in attendance. According to Simon Mangena, chairman of the EFF Mopani the EFF Limpopo leadership met with the school’s management to discuss the racist incident. “We did not go to cause havoc but to sit with management,” says Mangena. “We had already planned to march to Tzaneen police station and the Greater Tzaneen Municipality when we received the video and redirected the march to Ben Vorster High School,” says Mangena.
“We asked police to request a sit down with the school and find out if they are aware of the incident.
“When we got there the gates were closed. We threatened to lock them in and they agreed to sit with us,” says Mangena. According to Mangena, the learner’s parents were in the meeting and admitted that it was a big problem. “We requested the school to expel the learner. We are going to make sure something is done and we will see to it that it is solved,” he said. Ben Vorster High School released a statement following the incident stating that “any intolerance is unacceptable”.
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“The governing body of Ben Vorster High School immediately launched an investigation after it came to the SGB’s attention that a learner of this school made a racial slur during a live broadcast on social media. The broadcast took place after school hours and was unrelated to school activities and the school was not directly implicated or identified,” the statement reads. “The governing body strongly condemns the incident. It is in direct contrast with the values of the school and is in no way a reflection on the culture of inclusivity at the school,” says Eddie Vorster, chairperson of the governing body.
There is no direct family link between Eddie Vorster and the learner. According to the statement the Limpopo Education Department has been informed of the incident and a conversation with the learner and his parents took place. “The learner has shown remorse and realises that his behaviour is unacceptable. The governing body emphasises that in the case of minor children, adult role-players have a duty to educate. The case will be handled in a responsible manner.
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Everyone from parents to teachers have a duty to contribute to the development of responsible citizens. Inclusivity, respect for others and tolerance are very high on this list,” says Vorster. He says the incident will be investigated in accordance with the disciplinary policy and the impact on the school’s reputation will be considered. “As with all sanctions against learners in a disciplinary context, any potential sanctions in this case will be based on the duty to educate. In other words, not only punishment but positive behavioural change,” the school stated.
Irrespective of the outcome of the governing body’s investigation, Vorster says programmes will be developed to inform learners of the various aspects of the school’s ethical code of conduct.
“It is not enough to know the values of the school. Learners should also know what these values look like in their everyday lives, inside and outside of the school.” Vorster says the school has a proud tradition of excellence. “As governing body, it is our duty to create an environment where learners are also equipped with life values so that they can make a positive contribution to society.”
