The Save South Africa Civic Movement (SSACM) has expressed disgust over the outcome of the racism disciplinary hearing at Pretoria High School for Girls.
This after an investigation into claims of racism at the elite school for girls cleared 12 students who were first suspended, over allegations of racially charged statements and microaggressive remarks.
A WhatsApp group designated for “whites only” was used by the girls, who voiced their frustrations over issues that pertained to the continuous discontent among African students at the school, implying that the challenges they faced were trivial.
All 12 of the students who were initially suspended were found not-guilty of wrongdoing, and those who were demoted as prefects have had their leadership roles restored.
Following the outcome of the racism disciplinary hearing, the SSACM has rejected the findings saying black learners will never find space at Pretoria High School for Girls.
In 2016 the school made headlines when learners protested that they were forced to chemically straighten their hair and not have ‘untidy afros’
“This disciplinary outcome will have a long lasting psychological impact. It will further cause animosity between the black learners and white learners.
The chairperson of the disciplinary committee should have applied her mind since this outcome will not only paint her but it will paint other innocent white people who are against racism.
We also want to bring to the attention of the chairperson the fact that this matter is of a national importance and it should have been handled with care especially that racism continues to be a nightmare in our everyday life. We further mention that this outcome will not only make furious the Girls High community but the entire country especially to the blacks who are actually the majority and the Rightful inhabitants in this country.”
Save South Africa Civic Movement says the chairperson has abused her powers as an advocate and she has used her status to undermine the progress made by OR Tambo, Robert Sobukwe, Archbishop Tutu, et al.
Save South Africa Civic Movement has the following demands to make if the chairperson feels she has acted with fairness,Ubuntu and impartiality:
- Make public the content of the conversation without attaching the names of the learners. Alternatively, make public a summary of the WhatsApp content.
- We demand individual reports from each of the three members of the disciplinary committee.
- If demand 1 and 2 fails, we demand a rerun of the disciplinary hearing and this time an impartial, fit and proper person must be sought.
The matter of the thirteenth student, a black girl, has not yet been resolved despite her suspension on Thursday.
Also read: South Africans in disbelief after Lotto announces R100 000 000 million winner
