Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi and Peter Harris of Harris Nupen Molebatsi (HNM) Attorneys addressed parents at Parktown Boys High School on 30 August revealing the findings of their investigation regarding a number of disturbing practices taking place at the school.
A second report was commissioned following the unhappiness of parents with the contents of the previous report.
Peter Harris of HNM confirmed the finding of the law firm that conducted the previous investigation stating that a code of silence persists at the school. “The code of silence is less about honour than it is about covering issues of abuse and in some instances severe sexual abuse.”
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He also stated that the majority of incidents took place in the hostel, where he recommends that a comprehensive review of the way the hostel is governed in relation to the school should take place.
He also added that there is a culture of initiation at the school, which needs to be completely irradiated.
“We recognised that the school has taken some commendable steps. These things are hard to stamp out and are challenges that every school grapples with. It would appear that this has become a generational practice at Parktown Boys,” said Harris.
Harris added that disciplinary proceedings had been recommended against two educators accused of racial slurs as well as an educator who condoned and encouraged initiation acts. The report also revealed that an inappropriately light sentence was imposed on the perpetrator of an assault incident where a child was lashed on a water polo tour.
Allegations have also been made against another educator at the hostel, who is still employed by the Gauteng Department of Education at another school who is said to have known what was taking place at the hostel.
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Lesufi said, “It is quite clear that something bad happened at this school. As MEC, I can’t hide when bad things happen under my watch. We are supposed to protect children but it is clear that it wasn’t properly executed. We commit to providing support to victims and the school and most importantly will strengthen our oversight of the school.”
He said that by the end of the 2018 academic year, all matters including disciplinary hearings, issues related to race and drugs must be resolved so that the school can begin 2019 on a clean slate.
“The time to move forward has arrived. I believe in Parktown Boys. I believe in the new principal. I believe in the new SGB and am convinced that they will be able to move the school forward, but will forever be on the side of the victims,” said Lesufi.
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Related:
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Hertzberg writes about allegations of sexual assault at Parktown Boys’ High
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Parktown Boys’ High School coach accused of allegedly sexually assaulting over 20 learners
