The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has been accused of protecting a Table View High School substitute teacher who allegedly used the K-word during a matric history lesson by not suspending her.
While pressure has been mounting on the department to follow in the footsteps of its Gauteng counterparts, where the MEC announced the suspension of Pretoria High School for Girls over a race-related incident, WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the cases cannot be compared.
Pretoria High School for Girls principal Phillipa Erasmus was placed on three-month suspension after one of the learners who lifted the lid on racism allegations at the school was allegedly victimised and the principal reportedly did not take action following initial complaints.
The complaints stem from allegations of racism where Grade 12 learners are currently suspended, facing charges of serious misconduct for being part of a WhatsApp group that allegedly expressed inappropriate opinions.
One of the parents involved in the Table View High School incident on Wednesday urged the WCED to follow suit and suspend the substitute teacher.
Parent Bongani Ndwanya said they felt the teacher was being protected at the expense of their children's feelings.
“The teacher can be placed on precautionary suspension pending the investigation.
“If the Gauteng department could do it, why not in this case?
“We believe it is unacceptable to allow the teacher to continue teaching classes and trying to protect the teacher despite such serious allegations.
“If they are failing to act now we are even seriously worried about the outcome of the investigation,” said Ndwanya.
Hammond said the WCED was following the relevant labour processes.
“Labour Relations have scheduled their school visit tomorrow (Thursday) to conduct interviews with the learners.
The school has been monitoring the classroom practice of the teacher, with another teacher present,” said Hammond.
In relation to the Pinelands High School incident where learners were “auctioning” black learners who were caged, Hammond said the investigation is ongoing and nearing completion, with 24 learners having been interviewed since the allegations were made.
“Four learners are currently on suspension and will face a disciplinary hearing.
“Steps will also be taken against other learners who may have transgressed certain provisions within the code of conduct. Counselling support has been prioritised, with debriefing sessions having already taken place for all Grade 8 learners, and further support for the rest of the school. A disciplinary process is being followed, the outcome of this process will determine the way forward in addressing this matter further,” she said.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) meanwhile said it noted the disturbing incidents and allegations that continue to occur in schools 30 years into democracy.
The commission has allowed the investigative process to be undertaken by the Gauteng department in relation to Pretoria High School for Girls.
“The commission will monitor the process and the outcome with the view to making an intervention.
“The commission is urgently assessing the matter in line with its Complaints Handling Procedure,” it said.
The SAHRC has opened its own investigations into the Pinelands High and Table View High School incidents.
While the Department of Basic Education (DBE) did not respond to requests for comment, Parliament’s committee on education chairperson Makhi Feni said while the incidents may be isolated, it was possible that the problem in the basic education sector was bigger than previously thought.
The committee has called for a thorough investigation and that the DBE determine the extent of the problem to ensure schools were safe spaces for all learners from all backgrounds.
Cape Times