An 11-year-old child was allegedly called a monkey multiple times by other pupils at Highbury Preparatory Boys School. According to the boy’s parents, this has been ongoing since July of this year.
His parents stated that the matter was brought to the attention of his teacher, but the matter was apparently just shrugged off. They then decided to approach the school about the matter but felt that the school did not take decisive action.
Now his parents, among others who have similar allegations, want to take the matter up legally with the school. Meanwhile, the school principal released a statement which confirmed that the boy was subjected to cruel and derogatory name-calling by his peers.
In an effort to address the issue, the principal stated that they would like to have training workshops. However, the parents feel that it is not enough and would like further action to be taken because this racist behaviour took place among young children, which is very concerning.
The matter has been reported to the South African Human Rights Commission by the parents at the school. The former MEC Kwazi Mshengu stated that he would take up this matter.
However, in August at Hillcrest High School where serious allegations emerged of a group of learners using the k-word to describe other pupils. At the time, the now MEC, Mbali Frazer went to the school and said that she would release a report after a week following investigations into what happened, but the report never surfaced.
Media requests have been made to the MEC about the report and what action will be taken against the school, but nothing has come from those media queries. As a result of this, learners who faced racism at the high school say that they feel despondent that no action has been taken.
Pupils who have experienced this kind of racism feel that they are not receiving the justice they need from the Department of Education or the school management itself. The pupils and parents are waiting to hear what will happen with regard to these incidents.
