MEC Lesufi’s visit to Curro Foundation School

18 June 2015

The MEC for Education in Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi visited the Curro Foundation School in Roodeplaat, in Pretoria East following new allegations of racial segregation involving learners in Grade 1. The allegations surfaced from a video in social networks that shows learners getting off a bus and are separated into different queues along racial lines.

The video was brought to the attention of the MEC late last night and he immediately instructed district officials to go into the school to investigate the allegations. The MEC met with the school management to discuss the matter. It was agreed that the MEC will meet with the Executives of the Curro Holdings on Monday (21 June 2015) to discuss the matter further.

This is the second time that the Department is investigating allegations of racism at this school. In January this year complaints were received regarding allegations that some classes in Grade R were segregated on racial lines.

Out of extreme concern, the department instructed Harris Nupen Molebatse Attorneys to conduct an investigation into the matter. The report by the attorneys confirmed the allegations of segregation of learners at the school.  This was also confirmed by Curro Management who admitted that this was as a result of pressure from certain white parents. The school management apologised for the act and integrated the classes. 

“Racial segregation under any pretext is unacceptable, discriminatory and contrary to the provisions of Section 9 of the Constitution.  It is also in contravention of Section 6 of the Equity Act.  By segregating the learners based on their race, the school acted in a manner that was discriminatory and as a result violated section 7(c) of the Equality Act,” said MEC Lesufi.

Statement issued by Gauteng Department of Education’s spokesperson, Phumla Sekhonyane, June 18 2015