Parents of pupil in controversial Curro campaign gave school green light to use image, GDE reveals

JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) says the parents of a child who played the role of a cashier in its recent social media campaign gave the school permission to use the picture.

This follows an investigation by the GDE after Curro private school came under heavy criticism.

People felt the campaign was in bad taste with racist undertones.

ALSO READ: No racial undertones to Curro social media post, GDE probe finds

In the social media post that has since been updated, a white pupil is seen pursuing a career as a vet while a black learner is photographed behind a cash register.

Curro has been hit by racism scandals in the past, with a teacher dismissed last year for calling a black colleague a monkey.

"We are satisfied that Curro takes social cohesion seriously. Their footprint in Gauteng’s education system is significant, hence we will always intervene in matters that involve racial discrimination at schools," explained GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona.