Pretoria High School for Girls racism row: Headmistress reinstated for now - GDE
The matter was linked to a whites-only WhatsApp group allegedly created by pupils who shared racist comments.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane at the release of a report into racism allegations at Pretoria High School for Girls, 4 November 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The headmistress of Pretoria High School for Girls is back at work, following a three-month precautionary suspension over claims of racism at the school.
Phillipa Erasmus was suspended in July amid a claim she was aware of claims by some learners but failed to act.
The matter was linked to a whites-only WhatsApp group allegedly created by pupils who shared racist comments.
Following claims of longstanding concerns about racism at Pretoria High School for Girls, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) commissioned an independent probe into incidents as far back as 2016.
The report found Erasmus had failed to address some of the concerns about racism, that there was a selective application of policy on discipline, and that there was a lack of transparency when handling complaints.
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Additionally, the report found some white teachers ill-treated admin staff, and that the appointment of the school’s finance manager and estate facilities manager did not follow due processes.
Despite now facing charges of misconduct for these findings, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said Erasmus and her deputy had been reinstated for now.
“What I can tell you is that GDE is very thorough when it deals with matters of labour; we don’t lose. That one I can assure you because we are not on a witch hunt – we are firm, we know our work, and we just want people to do things right.”
In addition to the misconduct charges against the principal and the deputy, the law firm also recommended the removal of the chair of the school’s school governing body.
GDE READY FOR ANY LEGAL ACTION
The GDE said it was ready for any legal fightback from the Pretoria High School for Girls.
Although the school has not announced plans to challenge the report, Chiloane said his department would defend the report.
“We are not worried about the legal ramifications at all. If people have the personal muscle to go to court, it’s ok, it’s their right, but one thing we will not withdraw on is to get our schools right.”