Promise to transform Centurion college as learners, parents protest over ‘racism’

A group of parents and learners at Cornwall Hill College protested peacefully on Monday morning, when the Gauteng MEC for Education visited the school in Irene, Centurion.

 

In a memorandum handed over to the school, the parents said they were “raising their voices to bring about an end to negative experiences about racism and discrimination”.

 

They wanted steps to be taken to change the culture at the school to include and support its different races and cultures.

 

One of the parents, Lunga Ngqengelele, handed the memorandum to the head of the junior school, Morris Dicks.

 

An addendum with testimonials about racism and discrimination was also attached to the memorandum.

 

 

Ngqengelele said parents called on the school to take concrete steps towards changing and to put an end to all kinds of racism and discrimination.

 

According to Leon Kunneke, executive principal of Cornwall Hill College, a group of parents and learners at the private school, set themselves up at 06:15 on Monday morning, “with constructive placards”.

 

“Basically the group of parents and learners complained that the pace of transformation at the school had been too slow,” Kunneke said.

 

“They request diversity and representation throughout all levels of the college and appealed for more diverse representation on the board of directors. Also that more teachers of colour be employed,” he said.

 

“They adhered to Covid-19 protocols as announced by the president last night, and moved to the amphitheatre where they handed a memorandum to the school’s management.”

 

 

Kunneke said the school’s management consisted of its executive team that reported to a board of directors.

 

Kunneke said leadership renewed their commitment to moving faster to ensure same.

 

“Minister (Gauteng education MEC) Panyaza Lesufi was present, and all went well. He addressed the students in respect of racial concerns previously raised and contained in the addendum about issues relating to appearance and hair. He re-emphasised the importance of understanding the differences between people,” Kunneke said.

 

 

Kunneke said management perused the memorandum and said the school was pleased that they have had the opportunity to meet with the MEC.

 

He said all learners returned to their normal uninterrupted classes afterwards.

 

Gert Visser, DA-councillor for ward 65 said the “peaceful protest was properly arranged and all parties involved had been informed”.

 

The department of education’s spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed Lesufi visited the school to intervene in a stand-off between parents and the school.

 

“The minister met with the leadership of the school and they assured the minister that together with the parents they were capable of resolving the problems,” he said.

 

“The minister said the incidents he was hearing about were not acceptable and that it would have to stop. No-one would be mistreated going forward. The policies of the school must ensure they accommodate learners of all races,” Mabona said