Racism row at Izotsha Primary
The parent concerned has since apologised for his comment.
A DISTURBING Facebook comment posted by an Izotsha Primary parent on social media has not only left many parents deeply concerned about the safety of their children, but has again stoked the fires of racism – a la Penny Sparrow.
The post read: “Attending swimming gala for my daughter. Just realised how easy it cud be to wipe out those who see us as monkies… #justathought.”
The comment then appeared on Izotsha Primary’s Facebook page on March 4 at 8.26am. It went viral after it was ‘screen-grabbed’ and posted to another social media site last Friday. It has since been removed, but the damage was done.
The Herald’s phone rang off the hook with parents demanding that action be taken against the parent.
Looking for balance, the Herald contacted the parent responsible for the post.
He explained that he had since sat down with school principal, Neville Richards, and an inspector from the Department of Education.
“I cannot divulge details, but I have conveyed an unconditional apology via these two people and a Facebook apology via my wife’s account, since I can’t access (the local site that the post featured on) since Saturday afternoon.
“The matter is getting the attention to have affected people at ease (sic),” he added.
The post stems from castigated KwaZulu-Natal realtor Penny Sparrow‘s comment describing black beachgoers as “monkeys” in an apparent reaction to litter left behind after New Year celebrations. Ms Sparrow’s name has now virtually become synonymous with racism and was even used by former President Thabo Mbeki in an address on Tuesday.
The Herald called the school (whose phone had also apparently been ringing off the hook) and was directed to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education.
Sihle Mlotshwa, spokesman for the department, said the parent represented his own personal views and not those of the parent body or the department. “The department discourages and condemns this in the strongest possible terms,” he said.
A letter regarding the post was sent to parents this week informing them that:
1. The SAPS was informed and are investigating the matter;
2. The Department of Education has been informed as per protocol and is fully supporting the school;
3. The parent concerned has visited principal Neville Richards and apologised profusely for his inappropriate posting;
4. A letter of apology has been received.
The school letter continued to read:
“Please be assured that the safety of children/staff members and parents is not at risk or threatened.”
However, parents who contacted the Herald felt this was simply not good enough.
One parent who attended the school gala said he could not believe that he had sat with the parent while he thought like that.
“I sat at this gala and watched children of all races interacting and having fun together,” he said.
“The school has nothing to do with the Penny Sparrow saga, we are all innocent people here. We don’t want people like this at the school. This is not a joke, but a serious matter. Although it’s not the child’s fault she should be removed from the school.
“This is not about colour. Whether the parent was black, white, coloured or Indian, he should be dealt with in the same manner. The apology is not accepted. What about those parents and children at the gala at whom the comment was directed?”
Another concerned parent said: “It’s just too close to home. When I drop off my child at school and give her a goodbye hug and a kiss, I now wonder if this will be the last time I see her. This thought is now planted in my head,” she said.
“He is generalising. Not all of us think the same way (as Penny Sparrow),” she added.
She felt the parent had intended to make his comment public as he had tagged Izotsha School in his Facebook post.
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