Education

(1) The WCED was made aware of various allegations through a number of channels. These concerns included the fact that the teaching staff team has lacked diversity over the past few years. As a department, we do believe that there needs to be an increased emphasis on diversity at the school because it is a value which we cherish. The WCED is engaging with the school on this.

The WCED has also been made aware of a social media account that was created in June indicating past discrimination at this school. While many of the allegations date back to many years ago, we cannot ignore their contents. Some of the issues and concerns relate to discrimination based on language or hairstyles, others relate to exclusion or ill treatment.

These concerns were raised by two matric learners on 3 November. The WCED engaged with the school that same week and the learners concerned expressed that they were appreciative of the efforts that had been made to help resolve the matter.

The school has in recent years done the following to address some of the issues raised, including:

• Establishing a committee to oversee transformation and diversity.
• Amending the Code of Conduct to make greater provision for all learners.
• Changing the Code of Conduct to reflect inputs from the RCL on female hairstyles.

The learners did, however, raise their concern that the many interventions that the school has initiated have not been communicated to them, nor have they seen them in place.

The WCED is therefore engaging with the school to ensure that these interventions are communicated accordingly, and that the school ensures that the relevant mechanisms for complaints or concerns regarding discrimination are in place.

(2) There was no school function held for one specific racial group. I am aware of a private event held at a private venue which was not organised by the school, to which all Grade 12 learners at the school were invited via WhatsApp.

(3) The Member is referring to a private function, whereas above he has referred to a school function.  On the assumption that he is referring to the private function referred to in 2 above, yes.

(a) Four teachers attended the private event in their personal capacities.

(b) None. It is within their rights to attend private events.

(4) The WCED recognises that all our schools need to redouble their efforts in addressing the inequalities and prejudices that still exist within society, and which manifest in schools from time to time.

Over the past few years the WCED has initiated many discussions with schools to address allegations of discrimination. While many issues have been resolved through courageous and ongoing conversations, and the implementation of various strategies, policies and protocols that promote inclusivity and diversity, there is still much to be done.

The WCED condemns any form of prejudice. We are working very hard to instil the embracing of diversity across the province and will continue to do so.

Over the past two years, the WCED has been actively engaging with schools (with the help of organisations specialising in this field) to embrace the various groups and cultures within school communities.

Part of our Transform to Perform strategy is driving the values conversations that need to take place in our schools. The WCED Transform to Perform Strategy – has a Values programme that is currently being implemented in schools.  We have conducted extensive training of educators in Values in Education. Schools have been asked to choose 12 values, one for each month of the year, and to explain, talk, show and live these values. These values include respect for one another, kindness, caring etc. Schools are to have ongoing discussions with learners and teachers on values and to undertake various initiatives that showcase them. Many of our principals have reported a decline in learner bullying, for example, as a result of this programme, as they are being taught how to respect and consider one another and their feelings.

In June this year, the Head of Department of the WCED wrote to all public schools indicating the “absolute necessity for courageous and ongoing conversations in our schools about issues of racism, prejudice and inclusivity.” 

Schools were therefore asked to:

• Re-state that the school condemns racism and prejudice, and, as a state school, supports the South African Constitution and the Bill of Rights;
• Again initiate a review of the school’s Code of Conduct with the SGB, as was done a year or two ago, to ensure that all potentially discriminatory aspects are removed;
• Ensure that school rules exist and the Code of Conduct is enforced for the necessary discipline and order in a functional school, but that they are applied in a humane and inclusive way;
• Continue or initiate open conversations with all stakeholders in the school community. This should include encouraging that the SGB leads conversations with parents, deep and meaningful discussions with learner leaders and with all learners and that the outcomes lead to changes in documents, approaches, practices and actions.
• Access specialist outside organisations to engage with the school leadership groups to help direct the types of conversations that could be meaningful for a particular group if required.

Schools have also been encouraged to initiate platforms or channels whereby complaints or concerns can be reported, so that they can be immediately addressed and resolved. This would apply to teachers as well.

Learners and educators are encouraged to report racism or discrimination, of any form, to the Department if not being addressed appropriately by the school management. We have and will intervene where necessary and will continually address these matters until we eradicate it from all schools.

All allegations of racism are investigated.

(5) Please see question 1.