Learners protest at Voortrekker High over alleged ongoing racism
They protested after alleged racial slurs by a teacher resurfaced, claiming the school has ignored repeated complaints over the years.
Learners at Voortrekker High School protested on August 13 over alleged racial slurs by a teacher, demanding urgent action from school authorities.
The protest disrupted teaching and escalated into a violent strike. It prompted police intervention and the involvement of a private security company to restore order.
School gates were vandalised during the protest, causing further chaos.
Parents were quickly notified via SMS to collect their children as tensions escalated on the premises.
According to a learner who spoke to the Boksburg Advertiser, the issue has been ongoing for years.
“This is not the first time something like this has happened. The racial slurs occurred again just last week, and it’s part of a pattern that has been going on for many years without any action being taken.
“We feel like the school does not want to listen to our concerns. Despite reporting the teacher countless times, nothing has changed.
“We are frustrated, exhausted and feel ignored. This is why we decided to protest. We hoped that by standing together, the school might finally take our complaints seriously.”
The learner said that the school should be a safe space for learning, growth and enjoyment.
“When racism occurs and goes unaddressed, it affects not just those targeted, but the whole school community. It creates fear and tension. We want to learn in an environment where everyone is respected, and no one has to feel threatened because of their race.”
Also Read: Open day highlights health services and youth education
Parent Bigboy Mabasa, who collected his child after receiving the school’s alert, expressed concern over the events.
“We were told to come and fetch our children immediately. It’s worrying that the situation escalated to this point,” Mabasa said.
The Advertiser reached out to both Voortrekker High School and the Department of Education for comment, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
Also Read: Numerous break-ins in one month at Hoërskool Voortrekker
