Gauteng MEC on resolution at Pretoria Girls High

The Department of Education will then take action following recommendations that stem from the investigation.

Yesterday, pupils held a protest against a school policy which allegedly doesn't allow black learners to wear their hair in its natural form. 

The pupils allege hairstyles such as afros, dreadlocks and braids are prohibited at the school. 

Other complaints concerning discrimination at the institution have since been laid. 

Prominent South Africans, including author and columnist, Khaya Dlanga and Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela  and TV veteran Felicia Mabuza-Suttle have thrown their weight behind the call to change the code of conduct to better accommodate the needs of all learners.

Following the MEC's visit at the girls' school and meeting with the governing body, and parents - these are the issues that have been raised. 

Also read: Support grows for 'Stop Racism At Pretoria Girls High'

1. Use of African languages on the school premises is not tolerated.

2. Learners feel that they are not allowed to wear black hairstyles, such as afro.  Specifically, the school policy limits the length of the hairstyle, and this is arbitrarily interpreted by the educators.

3. Racial abuse and victimisation by both white educators and white learners, in particular the use of hurtful terms. 

4. Management and senior officials in the school deal flippantly with, or ignore learners’ complaints about racial abuse and victimisation. 

5. The school response was heavy-handed in calling the police and private security.

6. The harassment and victimisation is not only limited to the school grounds, but at school excursions as well.

Also read: Pretoria Girls High pupils stand up against hair policy

Classes have resumed at the school while the MEC has ordered that the code of conduct be reviewed. Here are other recommendations. 

(a) the cellphones confiscated must be returned within 24 hours;

(b) hostilities among learners, teachers, SMT and SGB (where hostilities exist) must cease;

(c) the mocking of learners’ hairstyles must cease, pending the finalisation of the review and amendment of the Code of Conduct;

(d) the mocking of African learners’ usage of their mother tongue must stop.  In fact, the diverse use of languages (especially African languages) must be encouraged for all learners at the school;

(e) the learners’ unqualified right to quality basic education must be ensured at all times.  Teaching and learning must occur in a conducive and safe environment. To that end lessons must continue uninterrupted.

(f) the school must ensure that the good performance it is known for, in its National Senior Certificate examinations is not adversely affected;

(g) the Principal and SMT’s safety at the school must be ensured

(h) the MEC will address the assembly and all educators.