DA Welcomes Lesufi’s Hair Policy Report and School’s Response
PRETORIA – Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi says black pupils at Pretoria High School for Girls were victims of racism and the school’s hair policy was enforced without sensitivity. The DA has welcomed Lesufi’s “even-handed” handling of the incident, and the school’s response to abide by the recommendations. After investigation into issues, MEC Lesufi said the […]
PRETORIA – Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi says black pupils at Pretoria High School for Girls were victims of racism and the school’s hair policy was enforced without sensitivity. The DA has welcomed Lesufi’s “even-handed” handling of the incident, and the school’s response to abide by the recommendations.
After investigation into issues, MEC Lesufi said the dignity of black pupils was violated on several occasions at the school. MEC Lesufi released the much-awaited report into the school following events earlier this year when black girls were apparently instructed to chemically straighten their hair.
Subsequently, MEC Lesufi suspended the school’s code of conduct relating to hair and instituted an investigation by a law firm into alleged racism and victimisation at the school.
On Friday Lesufi said they had confirmed the incidents.
The report’s recommendations include that action be taken against the teachers responsible and that the school’s code of conduct be reviewed. The school should implement diversity training and cultural awareness programmes.
MEC Lesufi apologised to those affected by the traumatic and humiliating experience of racial abuse at the school.
The department will work with the school to rebuild a culture of trust and mutual respect among teachers, parents, and pupils, MEC Lesufi said.
On Friday night the school apologised. “To the learners that have been treated unfairly, in a manner unbecoming of our school, and society in general which has been harmed by the events that have taken place, we offer our sincere apology – unconditionally so. We will ensure that intolerance and racism, where found to still exist, are eradicated,” said school governing body member James Tubb.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) praised MEC Lesufi for his “even handed handling” of the issue; and congratulated the school’s governing body for “agreeing to abide by the recommendations as set out by the report.”
– Partly sourced SAnews.gov.za
"!!!!!!#@mxxolisi: POWER! ✊🏽 #StopRacismAtPretoriaGirlsHigh https://t.co/DQyvLB6tPF"
— Sophie Mokoena (@Sophie_Mokoena) August 28, 2016
https://twitter.com/SureKamhunga/status/769995945895399424
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