"Whites only" whatsapp prog causes stir for school's publicity. Photo by: Antonio Muchave
(The Post News) – A racism storm has taken over the Pretoria Girls High School and its SGB. The matter has been handed over to the North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria.
The SGB submitted an application to the Gauteng Department of Education requesting a report on the investigations.
In November 2024, the department disclosed details of the mandated investigation by Mdladlamba Attorneys. This was to probe and address allegations made of the supposed racism culture at the school. However, a copy was not shared with the SGB.
Alleged Segregational Whatsapp Group
When asked for a copy, the department referred the school to the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). This Act gives the requester the liberty of having access to records detained by public bodies.
This investigation was provoked by an alleged creation of a “whites only” Whatsapp group. It has come to light that callous racial message were shared in this particular group.
Allegations pertaining the Whatsapp group were reported to the school’s principal and deputy by three learners, October 2023.
The 12 learners who form part of this group were charged and faced formal disciplinary actions from the SGB. All 12 learners were found “not guilty” on basis of the Whatsapp group being declared a private platform.
The Thabo Mbeki Foundation (TMF) found the messages to be quite disturbing, but later learned of the learners’ innocence.
The GDE took a decision to conduct their own investigation into the matter themselves. They managed to discover what is declared evidence of racial discrimination and failures to address it.
The SGB seeks a review on the report, but first wants the court to instruct the department to hand over the report results.
Judge Graham Moshoana, in the opening of his judgment, observed that the present application primarily deals with procedural matters.
He noted that the underlying dispute could develop into what might be considered a grotesque litigation.
Furthermore, he remarked that the conflict between the parties is marked by what can be described as a political furore.
The judge stated: “At the center of the dispute lies a well-meaning and highly regarded institution of learning known as PHSG.”
“PHSG is not a stranger to controversy affiliated with racism, infelicitous. Having itself been, recently, embroiled in similar allegations.”
The SGB screamed “common cause” to the existence of the report, and to its relevance in its review application.
The departed responded by saying that it should not proceed with the review application until PAIA proceedings are finalized.
Moshoana made a comment that he has never set eyes on the report. Consequently, it will not be able to vouchsafe its necessity in the review application.
“It is only once the SGB casts its eye over the report that it will be able to vouchsafe its relevance. For now, its is like wishing to buy a pig in poke.”
In conclusion, Moshoana is determined that the report qualifies as a record under PAIA. Therefore, it can be processed under PAIA provisions.
“The SGB is not entitled to a two-way process of accessing information.” Moshoana explained as he turned the school’s application down.
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