Pretoria high school racism probe: Investigative report finds misconduct

An independent investigative report into incidents at Pretoria High School for Girls (PHSG) has recommended charging the principal and deputy principal with misconduct.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane released the report yesterday. The investigation, led by Mdladlamba Attorneys, examined allegations of a culture of racism at the school and proposed corrective measures.

The probe was prompted by students creating a ‘whites only’ WhatsApp group, where insensitive messages with racial undertones were shared. The 12 learners involved underwent a formal disciplinary inquiry conducted by the school governing body (SGB) and were found not guilty, as the group was deemed a private platform.

Charles Mdladlamba, the director of the law firm, said the principal and deputy principal mishandled the situation, warranting charges of misconduct. “School Official 1 mishandled this matter and thus failed to comply with her obligations under paragraphs 5.1.1.2 c) and 5.1.1.5 i) and n) of the school policy. She further breached the learners’ rights under paragraph 10.1.1 of the PHSG Learner code of conduct and thus item 3 – sections 9 (1) and 10 of the constitution,” Mdladlamba said.

The report also revealed that some white teachers allegedly refrained from greeting black colleagues ‘because they do not know whether they are cleaners or educators at the school’, which the suspended principal, Phillipa Erasmus, acknowledged as a recurring issue.

The report recommended charging the principal, the deputy principal responsible for discipline, two teachers, the estate manager, and the HR manager with misconduct. Additionally, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) should consider removing the governing body chairperson for ‘interfering with the legislative powers and functions of the MEC’.

The GDE is advised to ensure counselling for all affected learners, including the 13 initially found guilty by the disciplinary hearings. “We will implement the recommendations, and bring social cohesion into the school in a manner that involves everyone, learners and teachers alike,” said Chiloane.

Background of the investigation

The probe followed a visit by Chiloane on July 30, after 12 white girls, including eight prefects, were suspended on July 24 over alleged racism. The WhatsApp conversations reportedly included racially insensitive commentary on issues raised by black learners, echoing dissatisfaction from a 2016 black hair protest at the school. Although the learners were cleared in internal disciplinary hearings, the outcome stirred public discontent, prompting the GDE to commission an independent inquiry.

The investigation concluded that the principal, deputy principal, and acting principal should be charged with misconduct and noted selective discipline application based on race, interference by the SGB in suspensions, racial issues among staff interactions, and misconduct by the estate manager. – SAnews.gov.za