Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane. Picture: Gallo Images/Beeld/Deaan Vivier
The principal of Pretoria High School for Girls has been suspended for three months while the Gauteng Education Department investigates racism allegations.
The school has been rocked by fresh allegations of racism that have led to 12 pupils facing disciplinary processes.
The pupils have also been suspended for allegedly messages containing racial comments and complaints about black pupils a WhatsApp group.
Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and some pupils staged pickets on Tuesday as Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the school.
Briefing the media on the progress of the investigations, Chiloane announced eight of the 12 suspended pupils are prefects at the school.
“They were withdrawn immediately, together with the privileges that come with that particular endorsement, support or approval of being a prefect,” he said on Tuesday.
The MEC also confirmed the precautionary suspension of the principal following investigations that uncovered new evidence, including previous complaints about racism from last year.
“One of the whistle-blowers got victimised, but she did come forward and we were able to get that evidence.
ALSO READ: Students suspended over Cape Town school ‘slave auction’
“So, based on, that while we are still busy with the disciplinary process, we have taken a decision to suspend the principal of the school up until we conclude this matter.
“We have appointed the deputy principal, one of the deputies, to come and act in the interim,” Chiloane continued.
“The principal knew about this matter from last year in 2023. There was a report and there was no action taken then.”
Chiloane noted that some teachers were implicated.
“We are also looking at other educators as well. We’ll ask them to report to the district up until the investigation is done. I’m not going to mention any names, don’t ask me who,” he said.
Chiloane emphasised that he could not predetermine an outcome of the disciplinary process against the pupils.
“We’ll see what happens post-the disciplinary process by the SBG [school governing body] in this regard. But I can’t shy away that racism is a problem and racism is up there with some of the worst forms of crimes that can happen.
“Racism is just equally as bad; it’s violence to one’s psyche. These learners that experience this discrimination had to undergo counselling.”
READ MORE: Curro’s racist incidents ‘can’t be ignored’ – psychologist
The MEC confirmed that some of the suspended pupils are in Grade 12, which raises concerns about their upcoming preliminary examinations.
“Yes, I am worried that some of the learners are matriculants, but there should be programmes structured around how the learner is supported outside the process. It should be understood that there is always repercussions for actions.”
He expressed hope that he would be the last MEC to address racial issues at the school, emphasising the need for the Gauteng Department of Education to take decisive action.
“I can’t be coming here to deal with this again. So, that’s why this time we are firming our hand so the message goes out there that racism will not be tolerated in our schools in any way.”
Chiloane added that there was “no need” for an independent body to handle the investigation, placing his trust in the school governing body (SGB) to manage the probe.
The MEC stated that there would be an appeal process. If those implicated were not satisfied with the internal investigation, they can approach the department.
“If needs be, there is no issue… I can bring an independent law firm to come and investigate.
“These independent law firm costs money, they are not for free so you need to know when you actually bring them in.”
The EFF in Tshwane has since welcomed the principal’s suspension.
“We shall continue monitoring the situation and ensure that racism is rooted from the school,” EFF Tshwane leader Obakeng Ramabodu, who was part of the protests outside the school, said on X.
NOW READ: Cape Town school ‘slave auction’: Growing calls for ‘racist’ pupils to be suspended
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
