In a contentious decision, Pretoria High School for Girls Principal, Mrs Erasmus, has been reinstated following a recent investigation that uncovered evidence of long-standing racial tensions and alleged biased practices within the school.
Story Summary:
- An investigation into Pretoria Girls High School confirmed a history of racial discrimination and recommended disciplinary action for certain staff members.
- Despite the report’s findings, the principal, Mrs Erasmus, was reinstated, with the DA supporting her return and questioning the investigation’s handling.
- The Gauteng Department of Education plans to implement the report’s recommendations to address racial issues and improve cohesion within the school.
Pretoria Girls High School report exposes deep-seated racism
The investigation, commissioned by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) and led by Mdladlamba Attorneys, examined years of reported incidents and complaints from black learners and their families.
The report, released after a thorough inquiry, casts a dark spotlight on several key areas of concern, including alleged racial discrimination and a failure by school staff to take appropriate actions on complaints.
The investigation found evidence of racial bias and confirmed that complaints from black students were often downplayed or dismissed by school authorities.
Since 2019, numerous incidents of racial discrimination were reported, and although some were subtle, they reportedly fostered an environment where black learners felt marginalised.
Earlier this year, a group of 12 black students alleged racial abuse after being disciplined, claiming that white students involved in similar incidents faced no repercussions.
The inquiry determined that some teachers and administrators neglected to address these issues, potentially breaching the Employment Equity Act and South African Schools Act.
The report recommended disciplinary action against specific staff members who were identified as complicit in fostering this culture.
The Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, acknowledged the need for urgent change, stating that efforts would be made to bring greater “social cohesion” within the school community.
“We are committed to implementing these recommendations and will ensure a collaborative process involving all stakeholders,” he said.
DA welcomes principal’s reinstatement
Despite the investigation’s findings, the GDE’s decision to reinstate Mrs Erasmus has received support from the Democratic Alliance (DA).
The DA, represented by Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education Sergio Isa Dos Santos, welcomed her return, calling it a necessary step to maintain stability.
The party asserted that Mrs Erasmus’s suspension during the investigation had disrupted learning and created unwarranted upheaval.
The DA has further criticised the investigation itself, labelling it flawed and biased, with claims that investigators veered outside their scope in seeking evidence against the principal and other staff members.
Dos Santos urged the GDE to dismiss misconduct charges linked to these findings, arguing that the drawn-out investigation has “caused undue distress” and strained the school’s operations during a pivotal academic period.
