Pretoria High School Girls principal being probed for knowing about alleged racism – Chiloane

JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane says the principal of Pretoria High School for Girls is being investigated for knowing about alleged racism and failing to act.

Philippa Erasmus has been placed on a three-month precautionary suspension.

She's accused of being aware of a whites-only WhatsApp group allegedly created by pupils who shared racist comments.

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“She has been barred from communicating with learners, she has been barred from communicating with parents, and she has been barred from communicating with educators.”

Chiloane said a preliminary investigation has revealed that Erasmus knew about the alleged racist WhatsApp group in 2023 but did nothing about it.

“You knew the gravity of the situation and you left it - that’s where we are with the principal.”

The department and the school governing body will lead an investigation over the next three months.

Chiloane said they will support the 12 suspended pupils, some of whom are matriculants about to write their preliminary exams.

The MEC said they have identified deep underlying racial problems at Pretoria High School for Girls.

In 2016, the school also made headlines for its anti-black policies around hair.

Chiloane said the department is working on a social cohesion programme at the school.

“What we see is that there is an underlying problem within the school. There are deep-rooted racial undertones that we are picking up because of these things that are coming up. It’s not all learners or the whole school, but there are a few elements.”