While the nation’s focus was zeroed in on the violent clashes between parents of different races outside Mpumalanga’s Witbank Technical High School, a similar — and mute — protest was taking place at the German International School in Cape Town.
German International school embroiled in racism row
A small group of protesters gathered outside the private school in Cape Town’s leafy Tamboerskloof, on Monday morning, and hung a number of placards noted with disgruntlement over the institution’s alleged failure to address racism.
Speaking to reporters, parents of German International’s learners who are part of the school’s Portfolio Committee on Transformation, Diversity and Inclusivity revealed that Monday’s demonstrations came after weeks of in-action in a case involving a teacher’s insensitive comments.
In late May, the said Life Orientation teacher, whose identity has not been revealed as yet, allegedly used a controversial study to support her claim that pupils of colour are less likely to achieve academic success.
Following a number of complaints that came along with a memorandum of demands from the parent’s transformation committee, the teacher was placed on suspension.
However, this was quickly rescinded and the teacher’s return to her post left a bitter taste in the mouths of many who were the target of a wildly speculative claim that lacked valid statistical backing.
A growing sense of unease has been felt at the Cape Town private school since the teacher’s return. On Monday, picketing parents demanded more action from the institution and accountability for failing to maintain a racially inclusive learning environment.
Swisher Post News contacted German International for a statement on Monday’s picketing. School principal Alexander Kirmse responded to our query, stating that the teacher’s remarks were “part of a discussion on BEE and Economic Empowerment in a Life Orientation lesson – a topic that forms part of the IEB Curriculum.”
Kirmse further explained that the return of the teacher to her post was part of a list of recommendations listed in a report compiled by an independent legal expert who’d been brought in to oversee the disciplinary process.
“At the DSK diversity and inclusion are integral and essential pillars of our school, and the DSK strongly condemns any behaviour that seeks to discriminate. The DSK is committed to the dignified and fair treatment of everyone within the school community irrespective of colour, race, ethnic or national origin, language, social class, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, religious beliefs, conscience, pregnancy, family responsibility, marital or health status. We do not tolerate any violations of these fundamental principles,” Kirmse wrote.