Cape Town — The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is set to probe two racial incidents at Cape Town schools, as parents and political parties voiced their concerns.
The probe comes after two shocking racial incidents occurred at Table View High School and Pinelands High School that happened in the past two weeks.
According to EWN, the incident at Table View occurred when a substitute teacher used the k-word during a Grade 12 history lesson.
The incident at Pinelands High School saw a group of coloured students appear to be auctioning black students as slaves, which prompted an outcry from parents and the EFF, who called for the school to close.
According to SAHRC Western Cape provincial chair, Zena Nair, the commission is aware of the two incidents and investigations are taking place, IOL reported.
“I confirm that the Western Cape Police Ombudsman is aware of both these matters and that same are being investigated,” the report quoted Nair as saying.
Political parties called on the SAHRC to intervene and take urgent action. Alliance for Citizens of Change (ACC) leader, Masizole Mnqasela, wrote a letter to SAHRC Commissioner, Chris Nassen, and called for an investigation and zero-tolerance on racism.
The Pretoria Girls Whites Only whatsapp group ! The Pinelands High School Slave Auction!
It’s about time we have racism consciousness workshops for all South Africans.Thats My Point on The National Pulse @SAfmRadio #ThatsMyPoint… pic.twitter.com/MzJCocXd1V
— Ashraf Garda (@AshrafGarda) July 30, 2024
“Our schools remain the bedrock and microcosm of our societal norms and standards. There is no place for hate in South Africa; all those who seek to spread hate and division must be held accountable and punished for their crimes,” Mnqasela said.
ANC Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL), Khalid Sayed, said his party called for an investigation into the Pinelands High School incident, and said the incident was a pervasive problem of the unreported racism that occurs at ex-model C schools.
Stellenbosch University’s Aslam Fataar, acknowledged that the actions of the learners were incorrect but said the issue needs to be addressed holistically. He said the WCED should do more than say the matter is being investigated.
“A concerted effort must be made by schools to include the values upheld in the Constitution into the codes of conduct for schools, he said.
A number of Pinelands High School pupils have been suspended for alleged racist bullying. This was after black pupils were cast in the role of slaves, while their coloured classmates pretended to auction them off. The Western Cape Department of Education has called the incident… pic.twitter.com/u8O3jPXI85
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 30, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
