Question NW1541 to the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
06 May 2022 - NW1541
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
In light of reported incidents of racism at the Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool in Clydesdale, Tshwane, what (a) steps has her department taken in this regard and (b) policies have been put in place to deal with racism in schools throughout the Republic?
Reply:
(a) The Minister of Basic Education enquired with the Provincial Education Department in question and recommended an investigation of the case and requested a report of the outcome.
(b) The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa is used as the most supreme law of the State to deal with Racism in Schools. As such, a circular is released annually to all schools to encourage the Recital of the Preamble of the Constitution in schools, as a way to inculcate constitutional values and principles. This is coupled with the distribution of Slimline Constitutions, in partnership with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD). Furthermore, the National Action Plan to combat Racism, Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerances led by the DoJ&CD has education-specific activities to guide the sector in addressing racism in schools.
Within the basic education sector and the schooling community, the South African Schools Act is used as the basis of legislation to deal, among others, with issues of racism in schools. This is coupled with the South African Council of Educators Act and the Employment of Educators Act, which provide guidance on the ethical, non-prejudiced and non-racial conduct of teachers in the classroom and within the school environment. The School Code of Conduct provides for the discipline and ethical conduct of learners in schools.