The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD) has condemned the recent spate of racist incidents in South African schools.
The latest controversy involves the Pretoria High School for Girls, where offensive messages about black students were reportedly shared by white pupils in a WhatsApp group.
The WhatsApp group, exclusively comprising white pupils, led to the suspension of the alleged perpetrators and the school principal.
In the Western Cape at Table View High School, a teacher allegedly used a racial slur against a Grade 12 student, while at Pinelands High School more racism allegations were levelled after a "slave auction" involving black pupils organised by coloured learners.
Spokesperson Tsekiso Machike, spokesperson for Justice Minister Thembi Nkadimeng, said school management must take comprehensive measures to eradicate racism among both students and staff.
“This year marks 30 years since the end of apartheid and the advent of South Africa’s constitutional democracy, which replaced decades of racial oppression with a commitment to democratic values, social justice, and human rights.
“The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, prohibits any form of unfair discrimination, including racial discrimination, based on the principle of human dignity and respect,” said Machike.
Machike said government had the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act 16 of 2023, which criminalized hate crimes and speech, emphasising the need for continued vigilance and enforcement.
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