Tensions have spilt into violence outside Witbank Technical High School where a large group of parents have gathered to protest, on Monday.
Watch: Parents clash at Witbank Technical High School
Footage of the ongoing demonstrations recently surfaced on social media, where parents, grouped by race, were seen clashing outside the school premises.
[WATCH] Violence ensued outside the Witbank Technical High School in Mpumalanga between parents. Black parents are protesting after an alleged racism incident happened at the school last week Tuesday. @mwelimasilela is monitoring the story. pic.twitter.com/vvYUMz6hwQ
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 14, 2021
Mpumalanga govt denies fight was racially motivated
The scenes witnessed above are a consequence of a school brawl that went viral last week. The video clip that’s the root cause of Monday’s riots caused outrage on social media, when pupils of different races were seen exchanging fists.
#PodcastandChill #MOGmustfall #VoetsekANC #VoetsekEFF #JobSeekersSA
— Munyai Gundo (@Economic_Rebel) June 11, 2021
Black Excellence pic.twitter.com/12eqehmhny
On Friday 11 June 2021, a day after Mpumalanga education MEC Bonakele Majuba conducted an inspection at the school, it was determined that the fight was initially between two Grade 10 pupils. Moreover, upon further investigation, MEC Majuba concluded that the fight was not racially motivated.
This determination, however, has not been wholly accepted. Especially, since Devon Hofmeyr, son of Afrikaner musician Steve Hofmeyr, was seen in this clip, warning parents against making demands “to the same people who taught your ancestors how to read and write.”
@PresidencyZA @DBE_SA @KaVinolia @AdvDali_Mpofu @AdvoBarryRoux @Mo_Senne @SowetanLIVE @EFFSouthAfrica @Julius_S_Malema
— Dr Gobela uGogotela weSintu (@uGobelaFullStop) June 11, 2021
This is Devon Hofmeyr Steve Hofmeyr son, this is what he has to say about a fight thst happened at Witbank HTS Tegnies School… pic.twitter.com/TJ5HFjrcLL
In another clip, Devon was seen rallying up a large group of non-black pupils, shortly after the brawl. While it’s unclear what was said, the clip shows Devon only addressing white pupils, seemingly rallying on the group after the fight had been de-escalated.
A group of students were involved in a fight, the school allowed hofmeyr to come with his team, this is exactly how HE engaged the white students, at Witbank HTS Tegnies School. pic.twitter.com/VDfRcAtGi6
— Dr Gobela uGogotela weSintu (@uGobelaFullStop) June 11, 2021
At the time this article was published, tensions were still rife outside Witbank Technical High School.
[WATCH] Pupils at Witbank Technical High School speak out on allegations of racism at the school. Violence broke out moments ago between two groups of parents.
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 14, 2021
Tune into #Newzroom405 for more. #WitbankTechnicalHigh pic.twitter.com/CNi37vAuz0
HAPPENING NOW: Situation getting tense outside the Witbank Technical High School in Mpumalanga. Black parents protesting after an alleged racism incident happened at the school last week Tuesday. Newzroom Afrika's @mwelimasilela is following that story for us. pic.twitter.com/MGD6Ij7AbZ
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 14, 2021