Wynberg Boys High principal under fire for 'sexist' comments

John Maytham speaks to author and documentary maker Tracy Going, who has expressed her discontent with remarks allegedly made by Wynberg Boys’ High School principal Deon Scheepers during his valedictory speech.

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Sexist and demeaning to women.

That's how author, documentary maker and former news anchor Tracey Going has labelled comments made by the headmaster of Wynberg Boys' High School at the recent 2024 Valedictory Assembly.

Deon Scheepers remarks to attendees included comments about why boys should be thankful they're not girls.

The incident has led to a divide among some parents at the school - among them those who felt Scheepers remarks were deeply problematic and those who felt they were lighthearted and humorous.

"He said, you are so lucky to be male, and then went on to list a whole series of sentences about how fortunate they were that they weren't actually women."

Tracy Going, Author/documentary maker

"[he said] you can't fall pregnant, you're lucky because mechanics won't lie to you in the future, you only need to shave your neck and head...he also went on to say you're very lucky because you're going out into the world and as a man you only have one mood."

Tracy Going, Author/documentary maker

"I find his comments demeaning to women and very, very harmful to men."

Tracy Going, Author/documentary maker

A letter sent to the principal and received by CapeTalk which has been signed by thirty mothers of Matric boys at WBHS reads in part:

'...There are many WBH mothers who like us stand behind you [Mr Scheepers]. We enjoyed the interjection of humour into your speech, for that is what we recognised it to be. Humour.'

Going maintains her stance that Scheepers comments were not funny, but rather sexist and harmful.

"I think anti-sexism should be a basic principle of the school, and I think when your headmaster can make jokes like that it is a reflection of his thinking."

Tracy Going, Author/documentary maker

"I understand that it could be seen in a funny light, but it's also not funny. I have been called out by parents who are very upset that I have taken this on publicly."

Tracy Going, Author/documentary maker

Going adds that there are many parents at the school who are 'completely behind me'.

Mr Scheepers was invited by CapeTalk to respond to Ms Going's concerns.

The producers of CapeTalk's breakfast show, Good Morning Cape Town, received the following response via Mr Scheepers' assistant:

'Mr Scheepers is not permitted to engage in media interviews as he is a WCED (Western Cape Education Department) employee. Wynberg Boys’ High School’s Governing Body code of conduct states that all communication with the media may only be conducted under the guidance of the WCED or with the WCED itself. We request that this be stipulated before the interview as to the reason why Mr Scheepers is unable to attend.'

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