Thabo Mbeki Foundation slams GDE's handling of Pretoria Girls High ‘racism’ storm
The Thabo Mbeki Foundation has questioned the handling of the recent “racism” storm at Pretoria High School for Girls.
Twelve matric pupils were suspended from the school in July for what was labelled as racist remarks on a WhatsApp group.
They were, however, acquitted following an independent disciplinary hearing.
The department's investigation also resulted in the suspension of the school principal and the reassignment of the deputy principal to the district office.
Former president Mbeki revealed that he had personally inspected the contents of the WhatsApp conversations and failed to find any evidence of racism.
“We ourselves have also closely studied the comments made by the chat group, independently to determine whether these constituted manifestations of racism and hate speech,” Mbeki said in a letter to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC of Education Matome Chiloane.
“It seems, for some reason, that the GDE was determined to smear the PHSG with the charge of racism,” he added.
The foundation proposed that the school principal and the deputy principal be allowed to return to work, the school assembly be addressed to explain the actions and to consider halting the investigation instituted by the department.
“We hold the unequivocal view that the GDE erred in acting against the persons concerned on the basis of the false allegation that the chat group made comments which amounted to racism and hate speech,” Mbeki said in the letter.
Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona declined to comment on the report when questioned by Jacaranda FM News, saying the department is unable to provide a statement at this time.
Education activist Hendrick Makaneta expressed similar sentiments as the foundation, adding that pupils should be taken through diversity workshops rather than being subjected to punitive measures.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance in Gauteng said it wants the department to reinstate both the principal and her deputy, and for the premier and MEC to deliver written apologies to each of the 12 girls as well as the principal and deputy principal.
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