SADTU welcomes Independent Investigative Report on racism at Pretoria High School for Girls and calls for accountability
4 November 2024
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) welcomes the release of the independent investigative report commissioned to address the culture of racism at Pretoria High School for Girls. This investigation was initiated by Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, following reports by Black learners about a private WhatsApp group, comprising 12 White learners, which allegedly shared racially insensitive messages.
These learners were initially suspended but later reinstated after the School Governing Body’s (SGB) internal investigation found no misconduct on their part. The independent report, however, has highlighted significant concerns, recommending disciplinary action against several school officials, including the principal, deputy principal, two educators, Human Resources Manager, and Estate Facilities Manager. Additionally, the report calls for the removal of the SGB Chairperson.
SADTU commends the investigation for addressing the actions of both learners and staff, revealing a concerning disregard for protocol within the school. The report details issues ranging from delays in addressing complaints about racism by both black and white learners to cases of unprofessional staff recruitment practices and nepotism.
Had the principal and deputy principal responded promptly to the initial complaint about the WhatsApp group in 2023, the learners’ strike in July 2024 could have been avoided. The principal and SGB failed to foster a culture of social cohesion, allowing an environment where some White teachers reportedly refused to greet Black colleagues, mistaking them for general staff. Further, the Estate Manager, who is also the principal’s husband, allegedly used abusive language toward employees without facing any repercussions.
While SADTU supports the involvement of parents in school governance through the SGBs, accountability must remain central. The report suggests that the SGB has been operating independently, ignoring the interests of the broader school community. The SGB Chairperson allegedly engaged a personal lawyer to advise on school matters, a clear conflict of interest that SADTU cannot condone.
This issue underscores the importance of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, specifically Clauses 4 and 5, which aim to regulate SGBs’ authority over school admissions and language policies. SADTU continues to support this legislation, as it grants oversight powers to the HOD and provincial education departments, preventing unchecked abuses of power by SGBs. Accountability is essential, and SADTU believes this oversight is crucial for maintaining fairness and transparency within school governance.
Issued by Nomusa Cembi, Media Officer, SADTU, 5 November 2024
