WES-KAAP. – Leerders van Hoërskool Pinelands het glo mede-leerders voorskool in ‘n fietshok “opgeveil” en is daarna weens die beweerde “rassistiese” voorval, hangende ‘n ondersoek, geskors.
Na bewering is op swart leerders in die fietshok deur hoofsaaklik bruin leerders buite die hok “gebie”. Die “verkoopte” leerders sou dan aan ‘n medeleerder, op wie die bod toegeslaan is, “behoort”.
SADTU het die voorval ten sterkste veroordeel.
Die onderwysdepartement in die provinsie het onderhoude met die benadeelde leerders gehad en berading verskaf.
Die EFF het intussen gedreig om die skool met ‘n protesaksie toe te maak en het toetrede met toepaslike straf van die onderwysdepartement gevra. Die ANC het ‘n volledige ondersoek gevra.
Merle Potgieter het die volgende op sosiale media gedeel: “We are all still in a state of shock. How can this be happening in 2024. We as a family have fought for liberation in this country. My Partner as an MK Veteran has physical pain everyday that is a constant reminder of his efforts to free this country. And yet here we are again having to fight. No man. Parents must do better. Raise better children. What is happening in other parents’ homes. I’m exhausted, angry and hurt. My son is brave. He has stood up as a lone voice and said this is not ok. We are so so proud of him. Long may he continue to let his voice be heard. We amazed at his tenacity in such scary and trying circumstances.”
Lees SADTU se volledige verklaring hier onder:
SADTU CONDEMNS RACISM AT TABLE VIEW and PINELANDS HIGH SCHOOL
SADTU Western Cape is deeply distressed by recent reports of racism at Table View and Pinelands High School in Cape Town. It is completely unacceptable that racism persists even after 30 years of our democratic dispensation and during Mandela Month. Such regressive behaviour undermines the collective aspirations of South Africans to build a non-racial, non-sexist, and inclusive society, as envisioned in our Constitution. Racism is a common place in “some” schools in the Western Cape and there is no commitment to root out this demon and relic of our painful past.
Racism is a sign of intolerance and backwardness. It has no place in our society and must be relegated to a beast status. The use of the K-word is very offensive and prohibited in terms of Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate speeches, Act 16 of 2023.
Racism is a severe breach of constitutional principles and a fundamental human rights issue. Those responsible for promoting or turning a blind eye to such behaviour must be held accountable. We cannot tolerate the use of derogatory language, such as the K-word, especially within educational institutions.
Educators serve as role models for children and should consistently exemplify the values we wish to instil in future leaders. We urge the Western Cape Department of Education to give this matter utmost priority. Given the gravity of the accusations, the educator involved should have been placed on precautionary suspension.
We also call on the Western Cape Department of Education to implement diversity programs at Pinelands high school. Additionally, we ask all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the WCED to thoroughly investigate this serious issue. We further call on the Human Rights Commission to institute a wider investigation into racism at both schools.
SADTU Western Cape will not rest until justice is served and the perpretator/s are reprimanded.
ISSUED BY: Provincial Secretariat
Bronne: Merle Potgieter Facebook-blad, eNCA, SADTU en Cape Argus
