Lesufi orders investigation into Pretoria High School for Girls
Pretoria - Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has instituted an investigation at Pretoria High School for Girls to get to the bottom of the issues that resulted in anti-racism protests at the school.
"I'm officially appointing an independent investigation body to investigate all the allegations levelled against certain educators, events of the 26 and 27 [August] and all issues that learners felt border on racism and all related matters," Lesufi told reporters on Monday.
"I'm giving this committee 21 days to conclude their business and to provide a preliminary report. On the basis of that report I will discuss it with the SGB [school governing body] and agree on a way forward."
The decision followed a meeting between the SGB, his office, learners and parents to discuss the issues of racism at the school. Pupils protested against the school's code of conduct which restricted the type of hairstyles black pupils could have.
Lesufi said they were aware that the environment at the school needed immediate intervention in terms of race relations, cultural understanding and the need to promote social cohesion.