Education expert Professor Mary Metcalfe says racism is hard to escape in schools because it is woven into the fabric of society. She was responding to a recent incident at Pretoria High School for Girls, where 12 pupils were suspended over allegations of racism.
The South African Human Rights Commission has launched an investigation into the matter after it received complaints about learners who created an exclusively whites-only WhatsApp group. The group was allegedly used for racial attacks on black learners.
Professor Metcalfe says vigilance is needed to change the situation. “We need to accept that we live in a society that is still deeply fractured by race and class and that a commitment to making a contribution to a South Africa where everyone is treated fairly and equally, requires a constant process of vigilance- in relation to detecting where there are matters where prejudice is manifesting itself. It’s hard to escape this for all of us because it’s in the fabric of our society. Meanwhile, more allegations of racism relating to Pinelands High School in the Western Cape, have emerged.
Source: eNCA
In other news – Activist Tessa Dooms Wants Politicians To Work For The People
Activist and director at the Rivonia Circle, Tessa Dooms has accused councilors in the city of Johannesburg of failing the people who put them in power. She was addressing crowds at a protest in Braamfontein under the banner of the Johannesburg Crisis Alliance.
The alliance has called for the resignation of Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda, who they’ve called arrogant and not interested in meeting the people. Read more
