Question NW1867 to the Minister of Basic Education
28 June 2018 - NW1867
Tshwaku, Mr M to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)What (a) is the total number of incidents of racism that were reported to the human resources offices in (i) her department and (ii) entities reporting to her in (aa) 2016 and (bb) 2017 and (b) are the details of each incident that took place; (2) was each incident investigated; if not, why not in each case; if so, what were the outcomes of the investigation in each case
Reply:
DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION
1. (a) (i) The are no incidences of racism reported to the Human Resources Offices in the Department of Basic Education
(aa) Not Applicable
(bb) Not Applicable
2. Not Applicable
UMALUSI’ S RESPONSE
(ii) Umalusi Response:
(aa) (bb) No incidents of racism were reported to the human resources office at Umalusi in 2016 and 2017
1.(b) and (2) Not applicable – No incidents reported to investigate.
SACE RESPONSE
(1) (ii)
(aa) For the academic year 2016, a total of 3 cases of racism were reported to SACE under case numbers: 225/2016/-KZN, 365/2016-FS and 563/2016-WC
(2) 225/2016-KZN Allegations of racism at Phoenix Technical high school. Allegations of racism. An Indian educator using racial slurs towards black children. An investigation to take place in July 2018
365/2016-FS Allegations of racism at Valhalla primary school. It was alleged that a white educator in the school used racial slurs towards a black learner by threatening to slap him until he was white and even Google would not be able to find him.
The matter was resolved between the accused educator, the parents and the DBE has also intervened. An advisory letter was sent to the accused educator on the basis thereof.
563/2016-WC Allegations of Racism at Gansbaai Academia. A colored educator referred to black learners as “Kaffirs” in a school Whatsapp group. An investigation was conducted and a disciplinary hearing to proceed in July 2018.
(bb) For the academic year 2017 a total of 6 cases of racism were reported to SACE under case numbers: 122/2017-WC, 227/2017-GP, 256/2017-WC, 287/2017-GP, 288/2018-GP and 507-2017-NW.
(2) 122/2017-WC Allegations of racism at Schoonspruit Secondary school. It is alleged that a white educator in the school referred to colored learners as belonging to a “hotnot city”, “vullis” “kleurlinge wat nie fisiese wetenskap kan doen nie.” The educator was given a Final written warning by the WCED and a R3000.00 fine pursuant to a guilty plea by him. SACE forwarded an advisory letter to the educator and cautioned him against such conduct.
227/2017/GP Allegations of racism at Eldorado Park Primary school and surrounding schools in Klipspruit West. The matter was attended to by the Human Rights commission and resolved. No actual complaint was levelled against any specific teacher save to say they black teachers were discriminating against colored learners and vice versa. Parents wanted a colored principals in theirs schools around Eldorado Park.
256/2017-WC Allegations of racism at Dysseldorp Secondary school. It was alleged that an educator at the school referred to colored learners as “Kaapse Kakste Goed” and as “Bobbejane”.We are in the process of tracing the educator as he was dismissed by the WCED. Learners involved are still available. Our investigation continues.
287/2017-GP Allegations of racism at Sandtonview primary school. It was alleged that a black educator made racial remarks towards a colored educator at the school by telling him that “the school was not a colored school and that he should not come with colored mentality in the school” an investigation was conducted, resulting in disciplinary hearing. The educator was found not guilty by the disciplinary tribunal.
288/2017-GP Allegations of racism at Cosmo City West Primary school. It was alleged that a black educator referred to her colored colleague as a “Bushman or Bushie” An investigation was conducted resulting in disciplinary proceedings. The educator pleaded guilty and was given a sanction as follows:
(A striking off from the roll of educators and which striking off was suspended for a period of five years on condition that she does not make herself guilty of misconduct during the period of suspension. She was further given a fine of R10 000.00 payable to SACE over a period of 10 Months)
507/2017-NW- It was alleged that an educator at Laerskool Unie in Klerksdorp was discriminating against black educators in the school and calling them by the “K” word. An investigation was conducted, resulting in disciplinary proceedings. A disciplinary hearing was conducted against the educator and we await the outcome of the disciplinary hearing.