After allegations of secondary victimisation at Parktown Boys’ High, the Gauteng MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi visited the school on 8 May to report on the outcome of an investigation.
Lesufi says there were 5 key allegations they investigated including racism, initiation practices and the running of a bar on the the school campus at #ParktownBoys @Sandton_News
— Laura Pisanello (@LauraPisanello) April 12, 2018
The investigation was conducted following complaints from some parents that children were being victimised by some educators. Some of the allegations included racism and sexual abuse. Four teachers, two employed by the department and two employed by the School Governing Body, were also implicated in allegations of racism.
Only 4 of 9 complaints regarding racism were found to have evidence. The teachers involved will be immediately suspended. One of the teachers has already resigned #ParktownBoys @Sandton_News
— Laura Pisanello (@LauraPisanello) April 12, 2018
The educators will be on precautionary suspension before the end of this week, and a disciplinary hearing will be held at a later stage.
In the sexual abuse allegations, some schoolchildren had Deep Heat smeared on their private parts. No evidence was found, however the department indicated that it strongly believes that a culture of silence could have played a major role.
On allegations that learners were compelled to use the same blade to shave, Lesufi said a new process needs to be implemented with immediate effect to avoid such unhygienic practices.
The MEC implored the youngsters to break the culture of silence and speak out against any violation and report cases without fear of being victimised.
Lesufi- it's very clear we need to keep these boys safe and we want to defend the integrity of the school no matter what. #ParktownBoys @Sandton_News
— Laura Pisanello (@LauraPisanello) April 12, 2018
In addition, the MEC instructed the School Governing Body to review the School Code of Conduct which stipulates a clear procedure for reporting and managing incidents of abuse and other matters.
There was also an allegation that strippers were brought to parties at the school hostel, however, no evidence was found.
Lesufi also criticised the sale of alcohol and advised that the Liquor License granted to the bar on the school premises be revoked.
He added that there must be a clear division of roles and responsibilities between the Department, the governing body, the school management team and the Parktonian Foundation.
The MEC announced that the process of appointing a new principal has been completed and the principal will start work in June.
“We are on course to protect public education. Any person who wants to tarnish the image of the school will be dealt with accordingly. Learners must be protected, educators must teach and not violate learners or commit any misconduct. All learners must be treated equally and their dignity protected in our institutions. Any form of discrimination and abuse would not be tolerated,” concluded Lesufi.
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Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/229635/want-defend-integrity-parktown-boys-high-school-no-matter-education-mec/
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/229650/warning-sensitive-content-mom-alleges-32-parktown-boys-sexually-assaulted/
