Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane is committed to implementing the recommendations and taking decisive action to address issues at Pretoria High School for Girls.
We will implement the recommendations, and bring social cohesion into the school in a manner that involves everyone, learners and teachers alike. We will also bring the school closer to the National Dialogue that is being purported by the Government of National Unity.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) released the independent investigative report this week confirming an alleged culture of racism at Pretoria High School for Girls.
The report cited multiple incidents of racial discrimination, bullying, and misconduct by school officials, including the mishandling of learner complaints.
Racism Investigation at Pretoria High School for Girls
The investigation into alleged racism at Pretoria High School for Girls was launched in response to public outcry and allegations of a “whites-only” WhatsApp group where racist comments about black learners were shared. Although 12 students were initially suspended, they were cleared of wrongdoing.
12 learners who were part of the said WhatsApp group were subsequently charged and taken through a formal disciplinary inquiry by the School’s SGB and were all found not guilty, on the basis that the WhatsApp group was deemed to be a private platform.
While the school’s disciplinary hearing cleared the 12 learners involved in the “whites-only” WhatsApp group, the GDE’s investigation examined broader systemic issues within the school.
The Department appointed the independent law firm Mdladlamba Attorneys to conduct the investigation.
Key Findings of the Investigation
The report confirmed multiple instances of racial discrimination, including bullying and derogatory remarks made by both learners and staff. School officials were found to have mishandled complaints of racism, often failing to take appropriate action and, in some cases, dismissing them outright.
The school’s handling of disciplinary processes was criticised for a lack of transparency and accountability. The investigation also raised concerns about the school’s governance structure and the role of the School Governing Body.
Recommendations to the School
The report called for disciplinary action against multiple school officials, including the principal, for misconduct and negligence.
Section 18 (2) of the EEA provides that when it is alleged that an educator has committed misconduct as envisaged by section 18 (1), the GDE must institute disciplinary proceedings. It follows that - for those employees at PHSG that are not employees of the GDE - the relevant authority would have to institute the disciplinary proceedings against those employees employed by it.
It was further recommended that counselling services be provided to affected learners and staff, including the 13 learners who were found not guilty in the school’s disciplinary proceedings.
It will be prudent for the GDE to ensure that the school offers counselling to all learners who were affected by the incident including the 13 learners that were found guilty by the disciplinary hearings.
The report recommended that the GDE implement comprehensive training programs for all staff members, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion to foster a more inclusive and respectful school environment.
The GDE plans to review and update existing school policies to strengthen anti-discrimination measures.
It will also work to improve the governance structure and oversight of the school to enhance accountability and transparency. This includes strengthening the role of the School Governing Body and ensuring effective monitoring of school operations.
