Save South Africa Civic Movement Condemns Decision to Clear Pretoria High School for Girls Pupils Accused of Racism
Image Source: Pretoria High School for Girls found 12 girls not guilty for alleged racism in a white-only WhatsApp group. via ANTONIO MUCHAVE
Published by Everything ZA News
Pretoria, South Africa — The Save South Africa Civic Movement has strongly condemned the decision by the governing body of Pretoria High School for Girls to clear 12 pupils who were accused of racism. The pupils were suspended two weeks ago following allegations that a WhatsApp group, consisting of white pupils, shared racial comments about black pupils. School principal Phillipa Erasmus was also suspended. However, the School Governing Body (SGB) found the girls not guilty.
Tebogo Mashilompane, campaign director of the Save South Africa Civic Movement, expressed his disappointment and accused the SGB chairperson of defending the principal. “We are not happy with the outcome. We strongly condemn this outcome simply because it does not address what actually happened. This decision effectively tells the children not to complain about racism, closing the door on current and future students facing similar issues,” Mashilompane stated during an interview with Newzroom Afrika.
Mashilompane called for transparency and further action, supporting Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane’s announcement of an independent investigation into whether a culture of racism exists at the school. He demanded that the contents of the alleged racial WhatsApp messages be made public and that the disciplinary committee publicly state their opinions on the matter.
“The governing body should take charge, but when it fails, the Gauteng Department of Education must step in. Our black children are not crazy, mad, or cry babies; they have facts. If the current investigation is inconclusive, we need someone else to thoroughly investigate,” Mashilompane added.
Mashilompane claimed the SGB chairperson used her role to intimidate other disciplinary committee members, influencing their decision to clear the pupils. He urged the Department of Education to implement a curriculum teaching pupils about racism.
“Racism is entrenched in this country and was never properly addressed after 1994. Apartheid ended, but its legacy remains. We must include racism in the curriculum so that all children, black and white, learn about it. They need to understand the sacrifices made for democracy and that such behavior is unacceptable in 2024 and beyond. We are a rainbow nation and must educate our children to reflect that,” Mashilompane concluded.
As the investigation proceeds, the Save South Africa Civic Movement and concerned community members will continue to advocate for justice and systemic change in addressing racism within schools.
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