Churches worried over school racism
'It threatens to reverse the gains we have made so far as a young democracy.'
Church leaders expressed concern on Thursday over racism allegations at Pretoria High School for Girls.
Bishop Allan Kannemeyer from the Anglican Church said the episode was a microcosm of the bigger problem.
Marginalisation along racial lines had been continuing to affect the country, he said at a news briefing hosted by the National Press Club in Pretoria.
“If this is not adequately dealt with, it threatens to reverse the gains we have made so far as a young democracy.”
This follows after black pupils at the school complained they experienced discrimination on account of their hair styles and the use of their mother tongue.
Others also claimed to have been called derogatory names by teachers and fellow pupils.
Archibishop William Slattery of the Roman Catholic Church said the problem at the Pretoria school was also affecting other schools.
“School governing bodies need to be more racially sensitive and ensure that they accommodate all races and cultures. On behalf of the Catholic Church, we want our schools to be calm,” he said.
Dr. Nontando Hadebe, chairperson of the Circle of African Women Theologians, said it was disturbing when young women were being victimised, more especially by other women.
“We call on women to ask themselves if they are allowing the structural system to control them or not?”
Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana from the Maropeng Ethopian Episcopal Church lauded the black pupils for complaining.
“We need to acknowledged the courage of these young girls for showing us that change is necessary,” he said.
Bishop Themba Mntambo said the SA Council of Churches wanted to offer their support and services to the school, government, pupils, teachers and management.
“We want the Pretoria High School For Girls to know that we are here to assist in offering our resources and promote anti-bias and diversity”.
Mntambo extended the council’s hand to government in ensuring that integration was achieved by all in society.
Gauteng Basic Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi called for the suspension of the hair policy at the Pretoria school on Monday.
Pupils from other schools staged a protest outside the grounds on Tuesday, demanding speedy action.
Gauteng basic education spokesperson Oupa Bodibe said an external body would investigate the racism and other claims.
It was to be completed within 21 days, with recommendations on action by the department.
The Congress of SA Students demanded change at the school within 14 days.
“If they don’t change, we will shut them down, just give us 14 days,” it said.
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