The EFF has urged the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to take disciplinary action against a group of Pinelands High School students accused of “selling” their black peers in a sham sl*ve auction, threatening to organize rallies and close the school.
While numerous students have been suspended awaiting an inquiry into the incident, which was filmed on school grounds last week, the EFF has demanded for the perpetrators to be suspended from school and compelled to undertake community service in black townships with their parents.
The horrifying incident was filmed on a mobile camera and then posted on social media.
Merle Potgieter, a concerned parent, reported it to the school management.
In the video captioned “Sl*very at School is Crazy,” black students can be seen standing behind a gate while their coloured classmates are heard placing bids ranging from R50,000 to R100,000.
One student even offers to buy his classmate with Bitcoin cryptocurrency.
Potgieter said that her 14-year-old son was attacked by a group of youngsters as he arrived at school on Thursday morning.
“He is in Grade 8 and the incident took place at the Grade 8 quad on Thursday morning.
“They were using hockey sticks and prodding the boys. My son fought them off and showed me the video.”
The concerned mother returned to school the next day and demanded a meeting with the principal, who she said was uninformed of the occurrence.
Potgieter stated that several of those who participated were later suspended, and that r*cial sl*rs and bullying occurred often, with black students being humiliated and called names such as “load shedding” and ordered to “go eat chicken feet”.
Bronagh Hammond, WCED spokesperson, said that they were aware of the video and described it as troubling.
“The school had already initiated an investigation into the event in terms of its disciplinary procedures, following an allegation of racist bullying, in connection with an event that occurred on Thursday.
“The learners involved are being interviewed and offered support, including counselling.
“Contact is also being made with the learners’ parents.
“The school management has also engaged with the staff and learners and will be communicating with the parent community.
“The SGB will soon convene to determine the next steps in terms of disciplinary action,” Hammond said.
In a letter issued to parents on Saturday, the school indicated that a number of learners were suspended pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
“As a consequence, a number of students have been precautionarily suspended pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation. Further actions will be taken as necessary.
“Our school has long grappled with the injustices of the past, and this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of our ongoing conversations about race, privilege, bullying, social media pranks, and the impact of our words and actions in both the physical and digital world,” the letter reads.
Meanwhile, Mbulelo Dwane, EFF provincial co-ordinator of the party’s labour desk, said they were shocked to see the video, and awaited the outcome of the investigation.
“We vehemently condemn all forms of racism, but this is very shocking.
“We are waiting to see what the WCED does but we believe these children should be suspended from the schooling system for at least two years.
“They should be made to do community service in the black areas along with their parents because where does a 13- or 14-year-old come on this if they are not being taught it at their homes or in their community?
“We want punitive action and while we will wait for the WCED to investigate, if we are not satisfied, we will protest and close down that school.”
Kenneth Williams, deputy provincial secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers Union, has called for calm and said they will be engaging with the department this week.
“We were informed of the incident and immediately got into contact with the district director who told the school to ensure the suspensions,” Williams said.
