Story Summary:
- A disciplinary panel cleared twelve Pretoria Girls High students of all racism charges.
- The students were accused of sharing racial microaggressions in a “whites only” WhatsApp group.
- The Gauteng Education Department is waiting for the official report before making further decisions.
A three-person panel appointed by the School Governing Body (SGB) at Pretoria Girls High has cleared twelve Grade 12 students of all charges related to racism.
Pretoria Girls High committee reports findings
The students had been accused of using a “whites only” WhatsApp group to share racial microaggressions about black students, leading to their suspension and a protest planned by black students on Mandela Day.
The disciplinary hearings were chaired by an advocate co-opted by the SGB.
The panel found all twelve students not guilty on all charges, including their prefect status. Acting Principal Mrs D. Stoffberg emphasised the fairness and transparency of the process, stating:
“We believe that this process has been conducted in fairness and transparency. Coming out of this process, there are lessons for all of us. Let us continue to work together to create an environment where teaching and learning can continue, and every learner feels valued and empowered to succeed.”
Gauteng Education Dept mum on school findings
The Gauteng Education Department is withholding further comments until they receive the official report from Pretoria Girls High on the disciplinary hearings’ outcomes.
Department spokesperson Steve Mabona stated:
“The content of the report will allow the department to map a way forward.”
The department had previously placed Principal Phillipa Erasmus on precautionary suspension for 90 days, pending an investigation into allegations that she ignored students’ complaints.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane announced her suspension during a visit to the school.
The department’s decision to wait for the report comes after the panel’s findings cleared the students of all charges.
The official report is expected to guide the department’s next steps in addressing the issues at Pretoria Girls High.