Twelve Pretoria High School Girls Suspended Over Alleged Racism

In a significant incident highlighting ongoing racial tensions, twelve students from Pretoria High School for Girls have been suspended following allegations of racism. This action follows a series of complaints from black learners about discriminatory behavior and preferential treatment for white students by the school administration. In a recent development, Pretoria High School for Girls has suspended twelve students amid allegations of racism. The suspension, confirmed by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), comes after black learners reported that white students had created a WhatsApp group to discuss and demean them. This incident has led to heightened scrutiny of the school’s handling of racial issues.

According to reports, the black learners felt that their complaints about the discriminatory behavior were ignored by the school’s principal and management team. They also accused the school of applying the code of conduct selectively, resulting in harsher punishments for black learners compared to their white peers.

The Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson, Steve Mabona, explained that the school had alerted the Tshwane South District about a planned protest by black learners on July 19. The protest was triggered by racial connotations, micro-aggressions, and complaints discussed in the WhatsApp group. The conversations in the group chat reportedly included dismissive remarks about the issues faced by black learners and references to a 2016 protest about black hair policies at the school.

In response to the planned protest, an urgent meeting was held where aggrieved learners were given a platform to express their grievances. The disciplinary hearing for the suspended students is scheduled for July 30 and 31.

Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation MEC, Matome Chiloane, stated that the district has initiated an investigation into the allegations, particularly those against school employees. Chiloane emphasized the importance of addressing any behavior that compromises the right to education in a safe and equitable environment.

“A school environment where racism and discrimination are prevalent, whether covert or subtle, compromises the right to education in a safe and equitable environment for all learners,” Chiloane said. “Indeed, action must be taken against any conduct that threatens order and discipline at our institutions, especially conduct that undermines the dignity of learners. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

This incident is not the first time Pretoria High School for Girls has faced accusations of racism. In 2016, a report documented several racist incidents at the school, including complaints from learners about restrictions on their natural hair and the prohibition of African languages.