Pretoria High School for Girls and the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) faced off in the High Court on Tuesday, 10 December 2024, over the controversial findings of a departmental investigation into racial discrimination at the school.
Pretoria Girls High and GDE square off in court
The case stems from a report published earlier this year, which detailed systemic racism and recommended disciplinary action against certain staff members.
The school’s governing body is contesting the findings, claiming the investigation process was flawed.
The GDE is defending its report, arguing that its conclusions were based on a thorough inquiry into complaints spanning several years.
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The investigation, conducted by Mdladlamba Attorneys, confirmed allegations of racial bias at Pretoria Girls High, including claims that black students’ complaints were often dismissed.
Among the incidents highlighted was a pattern of uneven disciplinary actions, where black learners reportedly faced harsher punishment than their white counterparts.
The report prompted the GDE to call for disciplinary measures against implicated staff members.
However, the school’s governing body pushed back, accusing the department of overreach and procedural lapses in the investigation.
Despite the report’s findings of systemic racism, the GDE reinstated Principal Mrs Erasmus, a decision that was supported by the Democratic Alliance (DA), which called it essential for stability at the school.
The GDE has made it clear that its commitment is to fostering inclusivity and rectifying systemic inequalities.
“The findings were made to ensure accountability and create an environment where all learners feel safe and supported,” said a GDE representative ahead of the hearing.
