AfriForum condemns “diversity course” at school and questions timing thereof

7 November 2022 

AfriForum condemns the content of the so-called “diversity course” that was presented at Fish Hoek High School a week ago, as well as the presenter’s claims that she cannot understand why the learners were upset by it.

The events at the school were brought to AfriForum’s attention last Tuesday. This was immediately followed up with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), who reacted equally as quickly to not only order an investigation and put further sessions of this nature on hold, but offered an unqualified apology and arranged counseling for the pupils. AfriForum and the concerned parents have been provided with contact details for help of this nature. It is unfortunate that the session took place at all, but the action taken after the fact was swift and comprehensive.

According to Alana Bailey, AfriForum’s Head of Cultural Affairs, the case is worrying for several reasons. “AfriForum’s premise is that communities should treat each other with recognition and respect, but the transcripts and audio recordings in our possession prove that this had not been the approach during the session. It is outrageous that the children were forbidden to make recordings of the session and that teachers were prevented from attending. A bona fide session with the aim of bridging polarization should be allowed to be recorded and shared more widely. Teachers have a duty to protect children’s interests and when they are kept away from conversations with learners, that is a clear red flag,” she says.

AfriForum finds it unacceptable that these events took place so close to the exam time. The questionable content of the session upset the children tremendously, as the parents confirmed, and has been proved by the necessity for the intervention of counsellors. The question must be asked why incidents that incite tension and violence at schools so often occur shortly before exams.

“Currently, versions of the events are widely distributed and fuel such tension, which is not at all in the interest of the learners. The WCED has given the assurance that the matter is being investigated and AfriForum will keep a close eye on the outcome of the investigation and what further steps are required. We appeal to the stakeholders not to incite further unrest on or in the vicinity of the school grounds. The interests of the learners must now be taken into account,” Bailey adds.

Issued by Alana Bailey, Head: Cultural Affairs, AfriForum, 7 November 2022