GDE won’t publicly release full PHSG racism probe report due to private contents

JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Department of Education will not publicly release its full report on the investigation into racism at Pretoria High School for Girls because it contains private information.  

Earlier in November, the department shared summaries of its probe into the school, saying it found several cases of misconduct and a concerning culture at the institution.  

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However, the department has refused to release the full report, leading to the school’s governing body (SGB) taking the matter to court.  

The SGB at Pretoria High School for Girls said it is entitled to the full investigation report by the Gauteng Department of Education.  

It has accused the provincial government of tarnishing its reputation.  

Education MEC Matome Chiloane said the report contains sensitive private information that cannot be made public.  

“Legislation of the POPI [Protection of Personal Information] Act – that report has got witnesses, and we need to protect the witnesses, their names, their details, etcetera, and certain information that will be used should we get into a situation where we are in court or a disciplinary hearing, and we are able to use that evidence.”  

Chiloane said there is a possibility the department can release an edited version of the report if it receives a Promotion of Access to Information Act application.