Pretoria – Cabinet says the incidents of racism levelled against learners at Pretoria High School for Girls are of concern.
“We call on all South Africans to respect each other and unite against the divisiveness of racism in our society. Our democratic journey is built on tolerance and respect,” said Cabinet in a statement on Friday.
This comes after learners raised concerns over the school’s policy on hair and not being allowed to wear hairstyles such as Afros. The learners, who feel that educators use abusive and demeaning language when they address them regarding their hairstyles, held a protest outside the school.
Cabinet commended the bravery of the learners for exposing the racism and prejudice at the school.
“They are indeed activists of social change, who are needed in taking our country away from its divisive past and closer to realising the objectives of a more united South Africa,” said Cabinet.
The Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has instituted an independent body to investigate the claims and the school’s Code of Conduct will be reviewed. – SAnews.gov.za
