A school in Lukasrand in the southeast of Pretoria has dismissed a substitute teacher for alleged racism.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane says his department fully support Crawford International Pretoria College’s dismissal of the teacher.

Viral video

Chiloane says the department visited the school today to ascertain further details surrounding the incident that occurred on Monday.

“We are told that during an English class, the educator started writing racist remarks on a whiteboard, as depicted in the video,” Chiloane explains.

According to Chiloane, the teacher was teaching provocative language and allegedly told learners that they must not be hurt when the k-word is used on them ‘because they were not affected by apartheid’.

“Her actions are vehemently unacceptable and have undeniable racist undertones which will not be tolerated in any aspect of our education sector.”

Dismissal

He says the Gauteng Department of Education would ensure that the teacher was further reported to the South African Council for Educators for necessary investigation and deregistration.

“She is not allowed to teach our children any more,” adds Chiloane.

Chiloane says it was encouraging that the school had begun providing counselling to the learners affected by this incident.

“The school also reviewed their recruitment measures to avoid enlisting candidates who may threaten the delivery of quality education and learning.

“It is distasteful to see individuals who we have entrusted the education of our children with use that valuable time to push their villainous agendas and poison the minds of our learners. In the strongest sense, we condemn the behaviour of this educator and any others who may want to behave in such an unpalatable manner.”

Swift action applauded

In a letter to parents, which has since been circulated on social media, the school said it was aware of the incident.

“We have been made aware of a video circulating which contains footage of an unacceptable nature.”

The letter stated that the individual involved was a short-term substitute teacher who was brought in about a week ago to relieve a permanent teacher who was away on sick leave.

“The temporary teacher has been informed not to resume her duties, and the school reserves its rights regarding further action. We deeply regret the incident and any offence it may have caused. Our commitment to maintaining an environment of respect, diversity and inclusion remains steadfast.”

Pretoria Rekord reached out to the school for comment but had yet to receive any by the time of publication.