Department of Education investigates racism claims at Glenhaven Secondary in KZN

The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal has launched an investigation into why pupils at Glenhaven Secondary School in Verulam, went on a rampage, last month, which resulted in three of them being arrested and numerous others injured when police opened fire on them with rubber bullets.

Investigations surrounding the incident led to the removal of the principal, earlier this week.

MEC for Education, Kwazi Mshengu, visited the school to get to the bottom of the issues.

He explained that he had uncovered a school that was divided with members of the Senior Management Team (SMT) that includes the school governing body and teachers ‘talking across each other’.

He stated that initially, they were told that the issue at the school had to do with the gates being closed, which restricted the pupils’ movements.

“But as we dug deeper, there were even issues of racism and abuse of pupils, that were raised. We had to say we are going to take over the whole process and institute an investigation direct from head office. We want to do this in a short period,” he told the Phoenix Sun.

The school has confirmed the principal’s removal but refused to comment, directing inquiries to the Department of Education’s Phoenix satellite office.

The Phoenix Sun attempted to contact the DoE office in Phoenix but have yet to receive a response.

Mshengu plans to assist the pupils, who were arrested so that they don’t lose out on school time. He added that it was quite disturbing that the police and pupils had clashed.