A matric learner from Pretoria High School for Girls was suspended on Wednesday, July 31 for a suspected racial undertone in a viral video posted in February.

The student was suspended after being seen making statements with racial undertones in a video that has since gone viral on social media.

Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed the suspension of the Grade 12 learner.

“We confirm that a matric learner from Pretoria High School for Girls was suspended, after being seen making statements with racial undertones in a video that has since gone viral on social media.”

Mabona said the learner was recorded in a video in February, making statements suspected to have racial undertones.

“This video has recently gone viral on social media, prompting serious concerns,” said Mabona.

Mabona said the school governing body (SGB) suspended the learner today, and it will subsequently initiate a formal disciplinary process in due course.

“The Gauteng Department of Education is firmly committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all learners. We take incidents of this nature very seriously and will ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address and resolve the situation,” said Mabona.

On Tuesday, the school’s principal was served with a three-month precautionary suspension, while last week 12 learners were also suspended for allegations of racism.

The 12 learners have been suspended following allegations that they made racist comments in a WhatsApp group.

The SGB and the department have been investigating these allegations, which included claims that the learners made derogatory remarks about black students.

During a media briefing at the school on Tuesday, Education MEC Chiloane Matome said the suspension prevents the principal from communicating with parents and educators at the school.

“She can, however, appeal this decision should she feel the need to do so,” he added.

Chiloane said: “A report [has] unearthed past complaints of racism and fresh ones, with the principal aware of this but having failed to act, showing a lack of transparency from her.”

He said the principal knew about racism complaints at the school last year. but did not do anything about it.

Chiloane said a whistle-blower, previously silenced, emerged to provide critical evidence, leading to the immediate suspension of the principal pending the conclusion of a disciplinary process.

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Also Read: Pretoria school principal suspended pending investigation

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