12 Pretoria High School Pupils Suspended Following Racism Allegations

Twelve pupils from Pretoria High School for Girls are set to appear at a disciplinary hearing next week following their suspension over allegations of racism.

This confirmation came from the Gauteng Department of Education on Wednesday. The disciplinary actions follow a protest by pupils last week, highlighting ongoing racial tensions within the school.

The suspension was triggered by alleged racial connotations, micro-aggressions, and complaints about black pupils, which were discussed in a WhatsApp group comprising white pupils.

The group conversations reportedly included derogatory racial commentary regarding the ongoing dissatisfaction among black pupils about the issues they face at the school, downplaying their concerns.

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Additionally, similar commentary about a black hair protest by pupils in 2016 was also made in the group chat.

A meeting was held on the day of the protest, where aggrieved pupils voiced their grievances. The complaints included allegations of racism within the WhatsApp group, claims of inaction by the principal over repeated instances of racism, unaddressed bullying incidents, and alleged preferential treatment of white pupils by the principal and some staff members.

As a consequence, the school’s governing body suspended all implicated pupils and scheduled a disciplinary hearing for July 30-31. In addition, the district has launched an investigation to probe all allegations, particularly those against school employees.

Education MEC Matome Chiloane emphasized that a school environment where racism and discrimination are prevalent compromises the right to education in a safe and equitable environment for all learners.

Chiloane stated, “Action must be taken against any conduct that threatens order and discipline at our institutions, especially conduct that undermines the dignity of pupils.”

This incident is not the first time Pretoria High School for Girls has faced scrutiny over racism claims. In 2020, pupils protested to address sexism, homophobia, and racism they alleged were prevalent at the school. Four years earlier, the school made headlines after a protest over its discriminatory policy advising black pupils to straighten their hair.