‘This is very shocking’ – EFF calls for closure of Pinelands High School in wake of ‘Slave Sale’ video controversy

Pinelands High School

Cape Town — The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has condemned the racist video at Pinelands High School and called on the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to take decisive action.

A shocking video emerged on social media of a group of coloured students at the school appearing to ‘auction’ black students for excessive prices, with the vidoe bearing a striking resemblance to slavery.  The EFF have joined the ANC in calling for action against racism at Western Cape schools.

Some pupils have been suspended from the school while an investigation into the incident is currently ongoing , the EFF has called for the culprits to be suspended from the school system and forced to work in black townships, along with their parents, IOL  reported.

EFF provincial co-ordinator of the party’s labour desk, Mbulelo Dwane, said the party was shocked to see the video and are currently awaiting the outcome of the investigation.

“We vehemently condemn all forms of racism, but this is very shocking. We are waiting to see what the WCED does but we believe these children should be suspended from the schooling system for at least two years,” Dwane said,

“They should be made to do community service in the black areas along with their parents because where does a 13- or 14-year-old come on this if they are not being taught it at their homes or in their community? We want punitive action and while we will wait for the WCED to investigate, if we are not satisfied, we will protest and close down that school,” Dwane added.

The incident was reported by a concerned parent, Merle Potgieter, whose son said he came under attack from a group of learners on Thursday morning. She reported the incident to the school principal, who was unaware of what had taken place at the school.

“On his arrival at 7.25am, he was approached by three coloured boys who picked him up and tried to place him in the area where they had locked the other boys. They were using hockey sticks and prodding the boys. My son fought them off and showed me the video,” she said.

Potgieter said that racial slurs and bullying of black pupils occurred often at the school and the learners were condemned to names such as “load shedding” and were told to “go and eat chicken feet.”

WCED spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said the department was aware of the incident and said it was disturbing. She said the school had initiated an investigation into the event and learners were interviewed and offered support.

Pinelands High School issued a statement to parents of the school and said the learners involved in the video were suspended and the issue has been escalated to the School Governing Body (SGB).
“As a consequence, a number of students have been precautionarily suspended pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation. Further actions will be taken as necessary.”
The school stated that the actions of a few learners should not tarnish the values of the school and it should serve as a call to action to create a safe environment for all students.
“We urge our community to reaffirm the values and ethos of our school as we navigate this difficult incident together. Let us grow from this experience, recognising that it is our duty to ensure that Pinelands High remains a place where every individual feels valued, respected and safe,” the school said.

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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