SA's Racial Tensions | Pinelands pupils sanctioned for misconduct

CAPE TOWN - Five Pinelands High School pupils who participated in a mock slave auction in July, have been sanctioned.

It follows an investigation and disciplinary procedures by the School Governing Body.

READ: Pinelands High School pupils suspended over 'slave auction'

Western Cape Education has been informed disciplinary processes into the misconduct have been finalised.

But, the nature of the sanctions remain secret, with the SGB only saying they are restorative in nature.

Western Cape Education at the time called the incident, hurtful and disturbing. 

An investigation by the school ensued following the allegations of racial bullying. 

But one parent, whose son escaped being captured and auctioned, says while she is happy with the process so far, the sanctions and charges have been shrouded in secrecy.  

Merle Potgieter said, "To my knowledge five of the learners were suspended and there was an SGB disciplinary hearing. At one of the hearing days my family and I attended where his son gave his testimony.“

What has come to light and we have been informed by the SGB that those five learners have been sanctioned and basically I was told that they were found guilty of all the charges what those charges are I cannot say to you: but the sanctions to my knowledge I have been told that the learners would be going to various workshops that will be community service of some sort.”

Potgieter says racism at schools are systemic but expelling the culprits was never an option. 

She wanted the process to one of learning and healing.

She said, "I am hoping that the Bela Act will ensure that this does not happen again because the Bela Act is very clear in certain of its clauses about diversity about racism and how schools need to act around these very serious issues. Not as a punishment but as a learning and teaching moment.”

Western Cape Education says all the necessary disciplinary procedures were followed.  

Western Cape Education Department's Bronagh Hammond said, "The outcome of the process and the sanctions have been communicated to the parents and learners involved. The sanctions are restorative in nature and include participating in various workshops and learning programmes, as well as community service." 

"Numerous deadlines have been established to ensure compliance and accountability with these sanctions. The sanctions were designed to help those involved to gain a deeper understanding of the seriousness of the incident and  its impact on others.”

She adds the school has indicated its commitment to continuing its journey in promoting non-racialism and diversity within its school.