Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen’s School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson has released a statement following a viral video of a physical altercation involving their rugby players in Pretoria on August 1.

The fight, which involved players and spectators, broke out during the Virseker Noordvaal Cup rugby match between Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen and Die Hoërskool Menlopark’s first teams. Play was suspended in the second half of the match, with a score of 36-5 in Menlopark’s favour.

Menlopark is currently sixth in the tournament standings with EG Jansen ninth.

An SGB meeting about the incident was held at the school on August 3.

“Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen in no way condones the conduct of any person or learner involved in the incident that occurred during the rugby match against Hoërskool Menlopark, nor does it seek to justify or excuse such conduct,” SGB chairperson Riaan van Aswegen said.

“The school is committed to addressing any inappropriate conduct in accordance with its code of conduct. Violence, racism and any other form of unacceptable behaviour are fundamentally inconsistent with the school’s values, discipline and principles.”

Information gathering

Further to this, Van Aswegen said statements available to them indicate a group of former learners (Old Boys) of Menlopark gathered behind the goalposts in the Jansen in-goal area.

“It is alleged that the group were consuming alcohol and that numerous racist remarks were directed at EG Jansen players. These allegedly included the use of the k-word and comments that certain players ‘belong on a farm’.

“EG Jansen parents approached a Menlopark educator to raise their concerns and requests were made to have the ‘Old Boys’ removed from behind the goal posts, as they were allegedly repeatedly causing disruption and inflaming the situation.”

A written report received by the school alleges that upon reporting the matter to a Menlopark educator, one parent was admonished in very crude language.

Information presently available to the SBG as part of the investigation indicates that no action was taken in response to these complaints or requests.

“In the interest of ensuring a full, transparent and objective investigation, we submitted a request to Menlopark to make available CCTV footage from the venue to assist in establishing the facts surrounding the incident.

“According to the written response received by the school, the incident was not captured by the relevant camera. We will, however, continue to gather all available evidence and cooperate fully with the investigating authorities.”

Alleged assault

The situation reportedly escalated further after an EG Jansen player was pulled over a fence and assaulted.

“A physical altercation ensued, causing parents to intervene in an effort to protect their children.

“The learners involved in the altercation have been identified, and we are conducting internal disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the school’s code of conduct. The school maintains a strict disciplinary policy to which every learner is subject,” Van Aswegen said.

In closing, the statement reads that Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen regrets the incident deeply and will continue to cooperate fully with the Gauteng Department of Education and all relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that the investigation is concluded thoroughly and objectively.

“A comprehensive report, together with witness statements and other available documentation, is currently being compiled for submission to the department,” he said.

“No further comments or statements will be made in this regard,” said Van Aswegen.

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