Report finds systematic, structural racism at Grosvenor Girls High School

An independent panel was appointed to probe these allegations, and financial misconduct after protests broke out at the school in March.

 

The panel found that racism has been normalised at the school and is systematic and structural.

 

It found that white authority dominates all facets of the school and that black pupils and employees at the school are oppressed and voiceless.

 

Presenting the findings on Monday, Mshengu said the report mentions several instances where the principal has used derogatory and discriminatory language when dealing with students and employees. 

 

"The principal has been at the cutting edge of entrenching racism in that school. Evidence was led where the principal constantly shouted at African learners, reminding them that Grosvenor Girl High is not a township school, and she must go back to these township schools.

 

“Educators are told and motivated to recruit more white learners because the school belongs to white learners according to the principal.”

 READ: Grosvenor Girls High racism report lands on Mshengu's desk

 Mshengu said the panel also uncovered maladministration, financial misconduct, and nepotism, which stem from the principal and deputy.

 

"The school has incurred irregular procurement processes in conflict with the fiscal policies. The principal and the deputy principal committed misconduct by employing the deputy principal's family members without following policy and these employees did not meet the requirements of which they were employed.”

 

The panel has recommended that the principal, who is currently suspended, be charged with misconduct for infractions relating to racism, irregular appointments of employees and financial irregularities.

 

The panel has also asked the department to review all appointments made by the principal and immediately terminate all employees found to have been employed without meeting basic requirements.

 

It says the principal and the deputy principal should be held liable for all funds paid to any employee who was employed without meeting basic requirements.