Investigation on alleged racial fight concludes

By Ilhaam Hoosain
21 September 2007

Langenhoven Gymnasium faced an allegation of a racist incident at the school earlier this year, involving a fight between two boys, which was recorded on a cellphone camera.

The Western Cape Education Department, Deputy Director John Lyners investigated the incident which the Human Rights Commission (HRC) observed.

“It’s clear that in terms of the main findings that the actual incident itself wasn’t necessarily motivated,” spokesperson for the MEC of Education, Gert Witbooi.

He adds that although the fight involved learners of two different races, both the school and the MEC agree that perhaps they should do more in terms of the organisational culture and diversity management at schools.

“The school acknowledges that because of shortcomings and in terms of management and communication practices, that may have led to perceptions of racism,” Witbooi.

The Education MEC Cameron Dugmore will initiate the process involving all the schools in Oudtshoorn and in other areas. Dumore says ait is clear that more needs to be done in terms of cultural and racial diversity management. Langenhoven Gymnasium has agreed to be an active participant in this process.