The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is probing allegations of racism at Milnerton High School (MHS) after reports of a black learner at MHS were allegedly made to get on his knees and bow to a white learner recently.
This ordeal made headlines last week after the incident happened due to an altercation between the learners, allegedly over a bench.
MHS principal Paul Besener says the reports the school has seen are sensationalist, exaggerated, and misconstrued for lack of context.
He says MHS is probably the most culturally diverse school in South Africa.
“We currently have learners of 37 mother tongues enrolled, so that any conflict is likely to cross cultural lines,” he says.
“A conflict between two boys competing for the same seating during break arose on 8 February. This conflict and allegations of an argument and headbutting are currently subject to the school’s disciplinary process. Racism is not currently a consideration in this matter,” Besener says.
The learner who is allegedly the victim, sustained some physical injury. The school says in order to de-escalate the matter, a member of the senior management team intervened to get an apology from the alleged perpetrator to the alleged victim.
“The management of this apology was over-zealous,” he says.
“Issues of judgement are at stake here, and have been reported to the WCED for investigation. Proper consideration will reveal the objective truth. Speculation is unhelpful,” he says.
According to a source, the learners held a private and peaceful protest at the school recently in support of the learner.
The school’s governing body is fully aware of the matter and the WCED will establish the facts and determine a way forward, the school says.
Millicent Merton, a spokesperson at the WCED, says the matter was reported to Labour Relations and an investigation is underway.
“The school dealt with the matter according to WCED policy and protocols. There has been a number of discussions between the parties and apologies have been made,” she says.
“The parents of the two learners have also been informed of the processes that have been followed,” Merton says.
