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Pretoria Girls racism row — criticism pushes Lesufi to call urgent meeting

Three months after the Pretoria High School for Girls faced allegations of racism, former Gauteng education MEC and now Premier Panyaza Lesufi is planning to intervene amid increasing criticism and threats from civil society organisations and politicians, including former president Thabo Mbeki.
Pretoria Girls racism row — criticism pushes Lesufi to call urgent meeting Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has scheduled an urgent meeting to address the handling of racism allegations at Pretoria High School for Girls.   This decision comes amid intense criticism of the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), its MEC Matome Chiloane, and spokesperson Steve Mabona, who had previously taken a vocal and proactive approach to the allegations in July 2024. [caption id="attachment_2301832" align="alignnone" width="2287"]Pretoria Girls racism row EFF and ANC members protest outside Pretoria High School For Girls on 30 July 2024 after racism allegations emerged against 12 pupils. (Photo: Deaan Vivier / Beeld / Gallo Images)[/caption] The allegations initially involved 12 girls who were in a “whites-only” WhatsApp group where messages that had alleged racial connotations and displayed alleged microaggressions were allegedly circulated. A 13th pupil was later suspended. The department swiftly put the school principal Phillipa Erasmus on a three-month precautionary suspension. At the time of her suspension, Chiloane said preliminary investigations into claims of racism at the school revealed that Erasmus had failed to act after being informed in 2023 of the alleged whites-only WhatsApp group. It also suspended the 12 pupils on several charges. Some of those suspended were prefects who were stripped of their privileges. Meanwhile, deputy principal Doret Schoombie was transferred to work from the district office. An internal investigation by the school governing body (SGB), however, found that the suspended students, who were accused of racism, were not guilty of any misconduct as had initially been claimed by the department.  At the time, Mabona said the department was “disappointed” with the outcome of the probe. Days later, Chiloane decided to launch an independent investigation to determine whether a culture of racism existed at the school more broadly. That investigation is ongoing. Read more: Pretoria High School for Girls racism row — independent probe to be launched

Enter Thabo Mkebi

Last month, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation separately met the school governing body and departmental officials to discuss the handling of the matter.   [caption id="attachment_2109022" align="alignnone" width="2000"]mbeki pretoria high school for girls Former president Thabo Mbeki. (Photo: Gallo Images / Sunday Times / Alaister Russell)[/caption] In a 13-page letter directed to the department and Lesufi that was leaked on social media, Mbeki said the department’s decision to suspend the pupils, Erasmus and Schoombie was premature as no investigation had been carried out to establish at least prima facie evidence to suggest that there was substance to the allegations made. The Thabo Mbeki Foundation did not respond to Daily Maverick’s requests for further comment. On Thursday, 24 October 2024, Lesufi told Daily Maverick that he had begun looking into the matter.  “I have put the systems in place to have a meeting with the MEC, the school, the district and the former president so that we can clarify issues that need to be clarified.    “I have gone through the [Mbeki Foundation] letter and it was quite detailed. Upon receiving the letter, I reached out to the MEC and he felt there are issues that need to be clarified better. So I will soon be putting everyone around the table. “I have started working on it and it won’t take a month to resolve,” Lesufi said.   The department has gone mum amid the criticism from Mbeki, who has called for the department to issue an apology and reinstate the school principal, among other recommendations.  When Daily Maverick contacted Mabona and requested comment on the handling of the issue, he declined and indicated that no communication would be issued on the matter. Meanwhile, both the SGB and management of the school also indicated they were still barred by the department from speaking to the media.  

‘Challenging time’

A teacher who spoke to Daily Maverick on condition of anonymity, however, said the hatchet had been buried two months after the incident. “It has been a really challenging time for all of us, especially for the girls. Many of them came to me asking, ‘Ma’am, what can we do? How can we fix this?’ That’s because we are a community that looks out for one another. [caption id="attachment_2301831" align="alignnone" width="2560"]pretoria girls lesufi Gauteng school pupils protest against alleged racism and intimidation at the entrance to the Pretoria High School for Girls on 30 August 2016. (Photo: Gallo Images / Beeld / Deaan Vivier)[/caption] “Many of us have done things we’re not proud of in our youth. They are just kids; they deserve the chance to be themselves and make mistakes, just as we did,” the teacher said. “They have shown remarkable maturity throughout this entire situation. Contrary to how it has been portrayed in the media, it hasn’t been as bad as it seemed. The girls love each other, they have formed incredible connections and they have been supporting each other through it all.” Read more: ‘It’s heartbreaking,’ says Pretoria Girls High parent as school faces fresh allegations of racism A parent who reached out to Daily Maverick echoed similar sentiments following a recent annual Spring Fair at the school. “Mothers and fathers of all races braaied together and helped out at the food stands, girls talked and laughed. There was not even a hint of racial tension.” Furthermore, she suggested that officials had been eager to get involved for their own gain. “Our SGBs are the only thing standing in the way of this happening. The government officials simply do not care about the future of our country.”

Human Rights Commission complaint

Trade union Solidarity has also entered the fray, saying it plans to file a complaint against the department with the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on Monday.   In the complaint, Solidarity will ask the commission to further investigate the actions of the department, Chiloane and Lesufi, according to spokesperson Johan Botha. “According to Solidarity, these parties’ overeagerness, which spurred them on to look for instances of racism in vain, is also a good example of how damaging more government intervention in school matters can be for schools, learners and teachers. “Solidarity considers the premature suspension of 12 learners from this school for their participation in a WhatsApp group discussion, as well as the suspension and forced transfer of this school’s principal and deputy principal, as typical of the GDE and its race-obsessed MEC, Matome Chiloane,” Botha said. Last week, SAHRC Commissioner Tshepo Madlingozi told Daily Maverick that it was leaving the matter to the department to handle. “We are allowing the department to carry on its own investigation, to undertake its process. We are monitoring to make sure that it’s a fair process, we are monitoring to make sure that it is a process that leads to better outcomes for everyone and if we are not satisfied with the process, then we will take it up as a commission,” he said.

Conversation necessary

When asked whether the principal and deputy had a valid case amid the criticism, education expert Professor Mary Metcalfe said that any labour process was subject to review. On Mbeki’s remarks, she said: “I think it’s interesting that he puts his finger on the extent to which the department followed what would be considered procedural fairness, and I think that there is a lesson for all of us in that however just a course or passionately we feel, we have got to follow process,” she said. The 30th of October 2024 marks three months since the principal and deputy were placed on precautionary suspension and it remains to be seen whether they will be reinstated. Experts have expressed conflicting perspectives on whether the girls' remarks were racist or not. Metcalfe said this was secondary and was less important than having a broader conversation about recognising current and past pain. “Issues of racism and prejudice, and discrimination, are rampant across society. We all live in a society which re-enforces those attitudes every day. “There needs to be a much broader conversation about recognising current and past pain, not being so defensive as people who are associated with inflicting that pain, and being willing to learn.” DM This article was updated to include missing text at 11h00 25 October
Nonkululeko Njilo
By Nonkululeko Njilo
24 Oct 2024
Facebook
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Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has scheduled an urgent meeting to address the handling of racism allegations at Pretoria High School for Girls.  

This decision comes amid intense criticism of the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), its MEC Matome Chiloane, and spokesperson Steve Mabona, who had previously taken a vocal and proactive approach to the allegations in July 2024.

Pretoria Girls racism row EFF and ANC members protest outside Pretoria High School For Girls on 30 July 2024 after racism allegations emerged against 12 pupils. (Photo: Deaan Vivier / Beeld / Gallo Images)



The allegations initially involved 12 girls who were in a “whites-only” WhatsApp group where messages that had alleged racial connotations and displayed alleged microaggressions were allegedly circulated. A 13th pupil was later suspended.

The department swiftly put the school principal Phillipa Erasmus on a three-month precautionary suspension. At the time of her suspension, Chiloane said preliminary investigations into claims of racism at the school revealed that Erasmus had failed to act after being informed in 2023 of the alleged whites-only WhatsApp group.

It also suspended the 12 pupils on several charges. Some of those suspended were prefects who were stripped of their privileges. Meanwhile, deputy principal Doret Schoombie was transferred to work from the district office.

An internal investigation by the school governing body (SGB), however, found that the suspended students, who were accused of racism, were not guilty of any misconduct as had initially been claimed by the department. 

At the time, Mabona said the department was “disappointed” with the outcome of the probe. Days later, Chiloane decided to launch an independent investigation to determine whether a culture of racism existed at the school more broadly.

That investigation is ongoing.

Read more: Pretoria High School for Girls racism row — independent probe to be launched

Enter Thabo Mkebi


Last month, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation separately met the school governing body and departmental officials to discuss the handling of the matter.  

mbeki pretoria high school for girls Former president Thabo Mbeki. (Photo: Gallo Images / Sunday Times / Alaister Russell)



In a 13-page letter directed to the department and Lesufi that was leaked on social media, Mbeki said the department’s decision to suspend the pupils, Erasmus and Schoombie was premature as no investigation had been carried out to establish at least prima facie evidence to suggest that there was substance to the allegations made.

The Thabo Mbeki Foundation did not respond to Daily Maverick’s requests for further comment.



On Thursday, 24 October 2024, Lesufi told Daily Maverick that he had begun looking into the matter. 

“I have put the systems in place to have a meeting with the MEC, the school, the district and the former president so that we can clarify issues that need to be clarified.   

“I have gone through the [Mbeki Foundation] letter and it was quite detailed. Upon receiving the letter, I reached out to the MEC and he felt there are issues that need to be clarified better. So I will soon be putting everyone around the table.

“I have started working on it and it won’t take a month to resolve,” Lesufi said.  

The department has gone mum amid the criticism from Mbeki, who has called for the department to issue an apology and reinstate the school principal, among other recommendations. 

When Daily Maverick contacted Mabona and requested comment on the handling of the issue, he declined and indicated that no communication would be issued on the matter.

Meanwhile, both the SGB and management of the school also indicated they were still barred by the department from speaking to the media.  

‘Challenging time’


A teacher who spoke to Daily Maverick on condition of anonymity, however, said the hatchet had been buried two months after the incident.

“It has been a really challenging time for all of us, especially for the girls. Many of them came to me asking, ‘Ma’am, what can we do? How can we fix this?’ That’s because we are a community that looks out for one another.

pretoria girls lesufi Gauteng school pupils protest against alleged racism and intimidation at the entrance to the Pretoria High School for Girls on 30 August 2016. (Photo: Gallo Images / Beeld / Deaan Vivier)



“Many of us have done things we’re not proud of in our youth. They are just kids; they deserve the chance to be themselves and make mistakes, just as we did,” the teacher said.

“They have shown remarkable maturity throughout this entire situation. Contrary to how it has been portrayed in the media, it hasn’t been as bad as it seemed. The girls love each other, they have formed incredible connections and they have been supporting each other through it all.”

Read more: ‘It’s heartbreaking,’ says Pretoria Girls High parent as school faces fresh allegations of racism

A parent who reached out to Daily Maverick echoed similar sentiments following a recent annual Spring Fair at the school.

“Mothers and fathers of all races braaied together and helped out at the food stands, girls talked and laughed. There was not even a hint of racial tension.”

Furthermore, she suggested that officials had been eager to get involved for their own gain.

“Our SGBs are the only thing standing in the way of this happening. The government officials simply do not care about the future of our country.”

Human Rights Commission complaint


Trade union Solidarity has also entered the fray, saying it plans to file a complaint against the department with the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on Monday.  

In the complaint, Solidarity will ask the commission to further investigate the actions of the department, Chiloane and Lesufi, according to spokesperson Johan Botha.

“According to Solidarity, these parties’ overeagerness, which spurred them on to look for instances of racism in vain, is also a good example of how damaging more government intervention in school matters can be for schools, learners and teachers.

“Solidarity considers the premature suspension of 12 learners from this school for their participation in a WhatsApp group discussion, as well as the suspension and forced transfer of this school’s principal and deputy principal, as typical of the GDE and its race-obsessed MEC, Matome Chiloane,” Botha said.

Last week, SAHRC Commissioner Tshepo Madlingozi told Daily Maverick that it was leaving the matter to the department to handle.

“We are allowing the department to carry on its own investigation, to undertake its process. We are monitoring to make sure that it’s a fair process, we are monitoring to make sure that it is a process that leads to better outcomes for everyone and if we are not satisfied with the process, then we will take it up as a commission,” he said.

Conversation necessary


When asked whether the principal and deputy had a valid case amid the criticism, education expert Professor Mary Metcalfe said that any labour process was subject to review.

On Mbeki’s remarks, she said: “I think it’s interesting that he puts his finger on the extent to which the department followed what would be considered procedural fairness, and I think that there is a lesson for all of us in that however just a course or passionately we feel, we have got to follow process,” she said.

The 30th of October 2024 marks three months since the principal and deputy were placed on precautionary suspension and it remains to be seen whether they will be reinstated.

Experts have expressed conflicting perspectives on whether the girls' remarks were racist or not. Metcalfe said this was secondary and was less important than having a broader conversation about recognising current and past pain.

“Issues of racism and prejudice, and discrimination, are rampant across society. We all live in a society which re-enforces those attitudes every day.

“There needs to be a much broader conversation about recognising current and past pain, not being so defensive as people who are associated with inflicting that pain, and being willing to learn.” DM

This article was updated to include missing text at 11h00 25 October

Comments

jcscholtz123 Oct 24, 2024, 11:01 PM

You at the DM also did not cover yourselves in glory with your earlier coverage of the matter. There was not a shred of evidence of racism. Most of the girls in the group did not even take part in the conversation for crying out loud! This DM chose not to report

laurantsystems Oct 25, 2024, 07:16 AM

A thousand upvotes for this comment. Racial muckraking is the business model of much of the legacy media. Time and again, as we saw with News24 recently, the muckraking turns out to be fake. And then they can't understand why the legacy media is in financial difficulty.

David A Oct 25, 2024, 07:25 AM

I remember thinking exactly that when reading the initial DM articles on the issue.

andretait156 Oct 25, 2024, 07:45 AM

That is exactly why I stopped giving money to DM. The media are guilty here! In the mean time other children are getting raped and impregnated by teachers and murdered by other students. Stop supporting the media!

Lyn Scheibe Scheibe Oct 25, 2024, 12:10 PM

Why are you reading Daily Maverick? You are given the right to criticise them, have the balls to support them financially.

Arnold O Managra Oct 26, 2024, 11:33 PM

Funny you say that, because I was previously banned from posting. As a subscriber paying money every month. Since then, nada. I enjoy good prose or journalism. I vote with my money.

Malcolm McManus Oct 25, 2024, 08:51 AM

Agreed, Some people need to get fired in the GDE for their knee jerk reactions and subsequent comments that inflamed racial tension in a matter that turned out not to exist. Perhaps at minimum, someone at DM should apologize for the previously biased and presumptive reporting on this matter.

Malcolm McManus Oct 25, 2024, 08:52 AM

And just watch how quickly DM closes the comments section on this article.

Willem Needham Oct 25, 2024, 10:59 AM

It was this exact coverage that made me cancel my monthly contribution to DM.

jcscholtz123 Oct 24, 2024, 11:03 PM

There is a cottage industry of "diversity consultants" that thrives on the flow of trite racism allegations. Follow the money. Join the dots

Andrew Johnson Oct 25, 2024, 06:19 AM

Exactly, great point.

Karl Sittlinger Oct 24, 2024, 11:32 PM

"not being so defensive" is one thing, actively supporting a witchhunt, endangering the future of 12 young girls for no valid reason is quite another.

Malcolm McManus Oct 25, 2024, 08:58 AM

Something one would expect from the EFF'ERS, who danced and intimidated at the gates of the school. But whats the excuse for all the others who jumped on the band wagon. Particularly those in the media as well as the departments we trust with the guidance of learners, who should know much better.

ttshililo2 Oct 25, 2024, 05:48 AM

Papering over the cracks that will emerge once again- whilst found to be formally wanting the suspension of the principal’s, there are clearing problems with race in that school. Theses non-black children, as reflected in their WhatsApp group, are being fed racist drivel at home.

Martin Neethling Oct 25, 2024, 06:10 AM

Papering over cracks, or creating cracks? How one concludes that there are ‘clearly’ problems is anyone’s guess, other than to conclude that once it is decided that there is a problem, no evidence is needed. Sadly the demand for racist incidents far exceeds the supply.

Karl Sittlinger Oct 25, 2024, 06:51 AM

You may have missed it (probably on purpose), but there were no racist statements from those 12 girls on that whatsapp group, or are you accusing Thabo of lying? The same can not be said about the 13th girl that was suspended, you should really have a look at her video.

Sheila Vrahimis Oct 27, 2024, 06:10 PM

it is wonderful that president thabo mbeki saw injustice and pointed it out. gained new respect for him

Miss Jellybean Oct 25, 2024, 09:51 AM

The only racism was by the black (13th) student suspended

Graeme de Villiers Oct 25, 2024, 12:24 PM

Well said Laura

Trenton Carr Oct 26, 2024, 07:50 AM

That's racist.

Indeed Jhb Oct 26, 2024, 11:58 AM

As reflected in their whatsapp group? Are you sure it is not the other way around with the 'racist drivel'?

Sheila Vrahimis Oct 27, 2024, 06:04 PM

on what grounds to you base .."being fed racist drivel at home". have you been in their homes? "there are clearly problems with race at that school" i trust you refer to the accusers, or has racism only a "non-black" face.

Willem Needham Oct 25, 2024, 06:51 AM

Still no word on what happened to the investigation on what happened to the thirteenth girl that was suspended for a separate matter? Everyone talks about fairness and due process, it seems this has just been swept under the carpet. DM in the interest of transparency can you please report on this.

Cachunk Oct 25, 2024, 06:53 AM

I nearly cancelled my subscription to DM because of their reporting on this. Reactionary, biased, unsubstantiated, harmful, libelous BS. Very disappointed with them.

User Oct 26, 2024, 07:12 AM

Oh, it's cancelled. It's clear to see which side they are on, and it's definitely not ours. I'll be on X from now on.

Anil Maharaj Oct 25, 2024, 07:40 AM

Racists will find racism everywhere they choose to look. This has been happening for some time and is therefore not surprising. Is it illegal to have a WhatsApp group consisting of black members only? Was the all white girls group illegal?

mike.erasmus62 Oct 25, 2024, 08:41 AM

Excellent point! Since when did it become racist to have a what's app group of all your friends who happen to be of the same ethnicity.

Graeme de Villiers Oct 25, 2024, 12:27 PM

And there it is... a 'whites-only Whatsapp group' - did the group consist of only white girls (and is THAT the screeching crime here), or was it deliberately created to specifically include non-white girls? Do Whatsapp groups now have to accurately reflect the demographics of the country??

Sheila Vrahimis Oct 27, 2024, 06:13 PM

not a word will be mentioned against a whatsapp group for black members only

mfsw Oct 25, 2024, 07:50 AM

Lesufi still has never apologized to the pre-primary school owner in the Northern Province who he accused of racism when it turned out it was a concocted story from this Botswana mother because she had not paid her school fees.

j Oct 26, 2024, 08:24 AM

I hate to defend Lesufi, but that was not in his province.

Andrew Blaine Oct 25, 2024, 07:58 AM

And, while investigation and other prognostication takes place, the girls involved try and study to further their careers. The lack of trust in appointed officials and desire to meddle, both by the GDE, should be the subject of punitive litigation

Rodshep Oct 25, 2024, 08:21 AM

When in doubt play the race card, destroy people's lives then walk away, and shrug your shoulders. Shame on all the racists no matter what colour you are.

Sheila Vrahimis Oct 27, 2024, 06:15 PM

agree

Robvz Oct 25, 2024, 08:22 AM

Why has the principal and her deputy not been re-instated? Because that would require an Apology. And that would also require Accountability. Two words that you will never see used by ANC ministers.

Sheila Vrahimis Oct 27, 2024, 06:16 PM

you hit the nail on the head!

Rod MacLeod Oct 25, 2024, 08:32 AM

Metcalfe, the re-instatement of the principal and deputy is "secondary"???? Are you insane, lady? Their careers and livelihoods are threatened by trumped up charges and BS and you say that's "secondary" to a broad discussion on racism? How morally bankrupt are you?

Karl Sittlinger Oct 25, 2024, 08:41 AM

Hear hear!

kate.posthumus Oct 25, 2024, 09:30 AM

Agreed. It's easier to have proposed 'conversations' and one-sided 'dialogue' than it is to actually take accountability, apologise and make amends.

Sheila Vrahimis Oct 27, 2024, 06:19 PM

i have lost respect for metcalf long time ago

mike.erasmus62 Oct 25, 2024, 08:45 AM

Just a point of fact. The Mbeki letter was not "leaked".

megapode Oct 25, 2024, 08:59 AM

Racism is a serious charge that can damage reputations, end careers. It does happen, we don't want it, but the burden of proof should be on the accusers. The matter should be taken seriously. I'd like to say that government and SGB should butt out, but proper commissions cost money.

Malcolm McManus Oct 25, 2024, 11:24 AM

Bob, I am guessing that to accuse someone of racism, when its not true is a criminal offense. If not, it certainly should be, and the perpetrators should be held accountable. The crime is as serious, if not more so than racism itself, because the harm caused can be so severe as you've pointed out.

Is there hope South Africa? Oct 25, 2024, 12:46 PM

This is very important. If it is proved that there was no racism, then surely those who instigated this should themselves be investigated? And suspended from the school?

Indeed Jhb Oct 26, 2024, 11:48 AM

Absolutely

Sheila Vrahimis Oct 27, 2024, 05:53 PM

agree. why is the burden on the defenders and not the accusers? the accusers should be scrutinised and compelled to apologise, to all concerned, at assembly.

Rob Bayliss Oct 25, 2024, 09:26 AM

Anyone in a position of authority who resorts to hyperinflating mass feelings based on little to no facts is clearly not well equipped to be in that position of authority. Such behaviours serve only to enrage and create a mob. Not fit for purpose should be the outcome of the investigation into Dept

Richard Kennard Oct 25, 2024, 09:49 AM

Please relay that to Donald Trump

Malcolm McManus Oct 25, 2024, 11:28 AM

A bit off topic, but also relay the same message to the current oke in charge. You should hear the divisive bile he has been spouting.

blommie2np Oct 25, 2024, 10:53 AM

Racism will remain in our society as long as we have race-based governance instruments.

Malcolm McManus Oct 25, 2024, 11:35 AM

And victim-hood mentality. This mentality can last for centuries as evidenced by a rather large country to the West of us. We must all fight to resist this defeatist mentality. It cannot do us any good in the long run.

Geo Maré Oct 25, 2024, 11:10 AM

I don’t read SA newspapers anymore - I only read the Daily Maverick. So the day they began reporting on racism at the school, I was so terribly disappointed. I never expected such poor reporting from them. If we can’t trust DM anymore, where do we go for proper, objective news?

User Oct 26, 2024, 07:04 AM

Ja, nee. Daily Maverick has definitely gone woke, and what they are not "reporting" on, is most telling. Our country is literally falling apart and nobody gives a shit, yet you are intevering with our schools and causing more harm to our children? You have failed us. The real news is on X

Stephen Mcbride Oct 26, 2024, 07:25 AM

Racism is in the eye of the beholder. I have reread the original article and see that 1) The school only admitted "non whites" after 1994. So they did not challenge apartheid by doing so before = racism. 2) The school banned natural hair as it it did not conform with their world view.

Karl Sittlinger Oct 26, 2024, 08:18 AM

So let me get this straight: you think that because there has been a racist incident in the past and that the school didn't admit black people 30 years ago during apartheid is reason enough to start a witchhunt on 12 innocent girls that had the gall to belong to the same whatsapp group?

Stephen Mcbride Oct 31, 2024, 11:54 PM

Not to start a witchhunt but to investigate an alleged instance of racism. As a person who is not white I notice that subtle racism is bred into "whites" - numerous examples - so when noticed needs to be investigated by neutral people to check. Suspension/removal before investigation extreme.

Malcolm McManus Oct 26, 2024, 11:38 AM

1,) Then it was against the law. 2.)Even white girl need to conform to hair regulations. Natural hair amongst whites can appear in many untidy forms. The same applies to black girls. Its more about regulating and maintaining neatness. Not against culture or color.

Indeed Jhb Oct 27, 2024, 11:09 AM

Thank you

Stephen Mcbride Nov 1, 2024, 12:00 AM

2) Neatness is in the eye of the beholder. And when you say one persons natural hair is "not neat" then that is racist. We cannot regulate that hair from the typical person 10000+ km is regarded as the norm in SA.

Stephen Mcbride Nov 1, 2024, 12:00 AM

2) Neatness is in the eye of the beholder. And when you say one persons natural hair is "not neat" then that is racist. We cannot regulate that hair from the typical person 10000+ km is regarded as the norm in SA.

Stephen Mcbride Oct 26, 2024, 07:28 AM

Racism is in the eye of the beholder. If you say: Blacks get preferential treatment Black are allowed stuff we are not allowed Instead of Anathi is favoured then that is racism. When however you say a group of people in a power position is favoured. That is not racism.

Karl Sittlinger Oct 26, 2024, 09:44 AM

Lesufi, the SAHRC are definitely in a position of power compared to the young schoolgirls that were wrongly accused. This whole theory that only certain races can be racist must be resisted for the racist fallacy it is.

Trenton Carr Oct 26, 2024, 07:54 AM

Racists will, racist, and they weren't at that school.

Trenton Carr Oct 26, 2024, 07:54 AM

Racists will, racist, and they weren't at that school.

steinm Oct 26, 2024, 08:52 AM

The problem is that the Department of Education is not run by Educationalists but by politicians ignorant of educational principles and hell bent on "transfornation" and their own political careers.

Noelsoyizwap Oct 27, 2024, 08:58 AM

I agree with your comment because it speaks to the terrible effects of Cadre deployment in governance, where politics and civil servant duty is deliberately confused. However, it will be unfortunate to view GDE's actions here as an intention to drive "transformation".

Ivan van Heerden Oct 26, 2024, 08:55 AM

Panyaza Lesufi is now having to cover his a*se because of his insane fixation with all things Afrikaans. The poor man needs counseling. I hope those teachers and parents sue both him and the department. Thabo Mbeki, of the AA/BBBEEE disaster, found against the department which speaks volumes

Noelsoyizwap Oct 26, 2024, 03:05 PM

In defense of Mbeki's economic policies, including AA/BBBEE, Ruppert said "We let Mbeki down because he created a perfect scenario for business to invest. But you know what, I think we could not believe our luck, local business should have invested more during his period." A busines sabotage

Arnold O Managra Oct 26, 2024, 05:46 PM

I would like to credit the author with a much better attempt at the same issue. Still no analysis of the primary evidence tho? The WhatsApp exchange is now in the public record. As is the video of the 13th kid. Who holds the power here? Historical resentment is no way to judge today.

Noelsoyizwap Oct 26, 2024, 07:12 PM

"Historical resentment is no way to judge today." Totally agree with you. However, Acting oblivious to the effects of that history would result to resentment. Please if you want to take me on, do so only on history and resentment.

Karl Sittlinger Oct 26, 2024, 10:50 PM

What on earth does "Acting oblivious to the effects of that history would result to resentment" have to do with 12 young girls having to defend themselves from absolutely wrong accusations?

Noelsoyizwap Oct 27, 2024, 06:14 AM

Good luck to you Karl-Heunz, cause I won't be drawn into the issue of 12 girls. I've deliberate not commented on it

Noelsoyizwap Oct 27, 2024, 08:27 AM

"Karl-Heinz"

Karl Sittlinger Oct 27, 2024, 08:53 AM

Whether you decide comment on the 12 young girls or not changes nothing about the fact that they are innocent, and that the media, the SAHRC and Lesufi participated in a witchhunt. If we are to fight actual racism, we must ensure not manufacture it where it doesn't exist

Noelsoyizwap Oct 27, 2024, 09:05 AM

Good luck on your tirade boet, you are definately beyond repair.

Karl Sittlinger Oct 29, 2024, 09:05 AM

Nothing to repair here Noel. Your ad hominem attacks would actually have some meaning if you could string together a coherent counter argument.

Arnold O Managra Oct 26, 2024, 11:39 PM

How do you judge somebody to be "acting oblivious[ly]"? Do you want special treatment from some people who you judge just because of their apparent melanin count?

Arnold O Managra Oct 26, 2024, 06:32 PM

For what it's worth, Steve Mabona's "intervention" at the school, in a school assembly nogal is one of the worst abuses of political power I have witnessed. Salem witch trials all over again. Where is the mark of the devil? Leave our kids alone!

Noelsoyizwap Oct 27, 2024, 07:20 AM

"Leave our kids alone!" I cannot I agree with you more. But I mean all our kids. Any intervention on kids, must be to give guidance and building them, not a punitive one. Children always have a way of making out a good future for themselves, shaped and supported by their environment.

bmtait Oct 26, 2024, 08:39 PM

Others have already noted the irony here in that the DM swallowed the department's perspective hook, line and sinker 2 months back, and it should be a lesson to everyone that the problems of racism can't be solved by witchhunts. Really poor, one-sided coverage of the issue, now a flip flop

William Kelly Oct 27, 2024, 09:48 AM

If anyone ever needed a reason as to why Metcalfe is dangerous here it is. In her words the actual racism allegations are secondary to slitting their throats on the altar of expediency of "recognising current and past pain" and "not being so defensive". It beggars belief.

Noelsoyizwap Oct 27, 2024, 10:56 AM

Metcalfe is correct &, agrees with Mbeki that GDE's interventions here are wrong and needed to have followed process. Her introducing the need for conversation about recognising current and past pain, makes what has happened in that schl secondary. Just lay off emotions a bit & be positive

Noelsoyizwap Oct 27, 2024, 02:37 PM

Metcalfe is correct &, she agrees with Mbeki that GDE’s interventions here are wrong and needed to have followed process. She then suggest that there is need for a conversation about recognising current and past pain and that makes what has happened in that school secondary.

William Kelly Oct 27, 2024, 09:48 AM

If anyone ever needed a reason as to why Metcalfe is dangerous here it is. In her words the actual racism allegations are secondary to slitting their throats on the altar of expediency of "recognising current and past pain" and "not being so defensive". It beggars belief.

Indeed Jhb Oct 27, 2024, 11:15 AM

Lesufi and Metcalfe - really 30 years on conversations of past pain. These kids were all born into the 'new' SA - there is no past pain only current. SAHRC why are you not standing up for the 12 girls? Surely this is a case of racism against them - oh I forgot they are white

Noelsoyizwap Oct 27, 2024, 11:50 AM

No matter how many times the lie is repeated that racism began in 1948, it can never be true. To say racism has been addressed by legislative measures alone, is a fallacy. No government can legislate on people's attitudes. That what Prof Metcalfe is talking to & that seem overwhelming to some

Indeed Jhb Oct 27, 2024, 02:03 PM

Quite true you cannot legislate attitude. You can however apply current legislation to current times. Coversations about past pain should be held with the past pained not the current crop of priveledged free born. Dont transfer your pain deal with it

Noelsoyizwap Oct 28, 2024, 11:44 AM

Such thinking could be coming from a place of both arrogance & ignorance or a deliberate denial of the existence of both positive & negative effects flowing from the past.