Deputy Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons With Disabilities, Steve Letsike, has strongly criticized lobby group AfriForum for representing the principal of Bergview College in an ongoing legal battle. The controversy erupted after the South African Department of Education issued a deregistration notice to the school, sparking backlash from its board of trustees.
Bergview College Challenges Deregistration
According to The Citizen, Bergview College’s board of trustees chairperson, DC Van Zyl, condemned the department’s decision, arguing that the deregistration had no legal basis. The school has vowed to challenge the move in court before the second academic term begins in April 2025.
While the school maintains that the principal is not a suspect in the case, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu announced on March 30, 2025, that the principal was among three suspects implicated. Despite this, Bergview College insists that a non-teaching staff member is the actual suspect, who has since been placed on leave.
AfriForum’s Role and Letsike’s Response
AfriForum’s decision to represent the school’s principal has ignited public outrage, with Deputy Minister Letsike condemning the organization’s actions in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.
She emphasized that the principal must submit himself to due legal process, particularly after reports surfaced that he resisted providing a DNA sample to authorities. Letsike further criticized AfriForum’s involvement as an example of white privilege, arguing that no suspect should receive preferential treatment based on race.
“A suspect must be treated as a suspect despite their race,” Letsike stated. “A principal is not above the law and cannot evade due process when serious allegations have been made.”
Public Reaction and Calls for Justice
The Bergview College case has garnered national attention, with many South Africans taking to social media to criticize AfriForum’s stance.
One American expatriate living in South Africa expressed her heartbreak over the incident, calling for justice for the victim. The case has also prompted a wave of solidarity, with a millionaire reportedly donating a significant sum towards the victim’s education after the story broke.
Authorities Under Pressure to Act Swiftly
Letsike has called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to act decisively, ensuring that all suspects are arrested and DNA samples collected without delay. Public pressure continues to mount on law enforcement and judicial authorities to handle the case with transparency and urgency.
With the legal battle over Bergview College’s deregistration looming and the criminal investigation unfolding, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the course of justice in this high-profile case.
