SAHRC probes alleged racism at schools

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC/the Commission) has confirmed that it is investigating two reports of racism in Cape Town schools following a public outcry from parents and political parties.

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In the first incident, a white substitute teacher at Table View High School was accused of using a racial slur during a history lesson on July 17. It is understood the teacher used the k-word with matriculants.

In the second incident, coloured students at Pinelands High School were caught ‘auctioning off’ their black classmates. The incident has since gone viral.

The Commission expressed concern regarding the incidents.

‘’It is disturbing that these incidences continue to occur 30 years into democracy. It is more distressing to see that three of these incidents are alleged to have taken place in schools,’’ said Tammy Carter, SAHRC Western Cape Provincial Office Advocacy and Research Consultant.

‘’The Commission has closely monitored these incidences and developments with the view to intervening in line with the South African Human Rights Commission Act 40 of 2013 (SAHRC Act), the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000 (PEPUDA or the Equality Act, Act No. 4 of 2000) and Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act, 16 of 2023.’’

‘’The Commission has noted concerns raised by members of the public and human rights defenders over issues of racism and the need to address them proactively and holistically,’’ she added.

The Commission says it has established the National Question and Anti-Racism expert Advisory Committee in April 2024, which it says is made up of researchers, community activists, diversity experts, youth leaders and faith-based leaders to regularly advise the Commission on systemic anti-racist measures and policies that could be adopted to counter institutionalised and structural racism and discriminatory attitudes towards forging a humane society where everyone feels a sense of belongingness.

‘’The Commission’s Social Harmony National Effort (SHiNE) initiatives continue to hold dialogues in various communities to assist with addressing the high level of disharmony in the country and to forge a common national vision as envisaged in the preamble of the country’s Constitution.’’

Carter confirmed that they are also probing the racism allegations in Gauteng, where 12 Pretoria Girls High learners have been suspended for alleged racial utterances, micro-aggressions and complaints about black pupils which were shared through a WhatsApp group consisting of only white pupils. The second incident in Gauteng involve allegations that councillor Obakeng Ramabodu uttered statements that allegedly amount to hate speech.

‘’Pretoria Girls High: The Commission is allowing the investigative process to be undertaken by the Gauteng Department of Education and will monitor the process and the outcome with the view to making an intervention. Councillor Obakeng Ramabodu: The Commission is urgently assessing the matter in line with its Complaints Handling Procedure.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George