Independent Report Finds Misconduct At Pretoria Girls High After Racism Probe

An independent report has brought to light serious findings regarding misconduct at the Pretoria High School for Girls, following allegations of racism.

Conducted by Mthuthuzeli Mdladlamba, director of Mdladlamba Attorneys, the investigation uncovered that Principal Phillipa Erasmus and Deputy Principal were found guilty of mishandling complaints from students related to racism and bullying.

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Details of the Findings

The Gauteng Department of Education initiated this probe after instances of racism were reported, notably from a WhatsApp group known for sharing racist micro-aggressions. While a prior disciplinary hearing resulted in the acquittal of twelve students, the department continued its inquiry.

The report highlighted that the principal failed to address longstanding complaints, leading to an environment where students felt unsafe and unheard.

“It is a finding in the report that the allegations of racism were reported to the principal and the deputy in October 2023 by learners 3, 6 and 23.

“The principal mishandled the complaint. She was not transparent with the three learners on how she dealt with their complaints. The learners kept asking about the status of their complaints.

“They were advised by the deputy principal, responsible for discipline, that the investigation was pending.

“It was the same time the bullying of learner 6 by the 12 learners from the WhatsApp group started.

“The learners followed up again on the status of their complaint in term two of 2024, and the response was the same, that the investigation was pending.

“This led to the event of 18 July 2024, where it is said that there was a protest and there was bullying of learners of other races by some black learners in response to their WhatsApp group becoming public.

“The principal failed to comply with her obligations as set out in the policy of standards for principalship. The principal has, therefore, committed misconduct,” he said.

Recommendations for Accountability

Mdladlamba’s report recommends disciplinary action not only for the principal and deputy principal but also for additional staff members linked to classroom incidents and the overall management of complaints.

The report indicates a clear necessity for the Gauteng Department of Education to reassess the roles of those involved, including the governing body chairman accused of interfering in the investigation process.

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“The principal, the deputy principal, two educators for classroom-related incidents, the estate manager, the HR manager and the acting principal.

“The GDE [Gauteng Education Department] is to consider removing the governing body chairman from the governing body for his allegations of interfering with the legislative powers and functions of the MEC,” said Mdladlamba.

Further, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation has expressed concern about the approach taken by the Gauteng Department of Education. They argue that the allegations of racism should be carefully re-evaluated, suggesting that the principal and deputy should return to their positions and clarify the situation through an open assembly with students.