The Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane has moved in to condemn the actions of the Grade 8 Crawford International Pretoria College who was dismissed by the school after a video went viral where she was seen writing racist words on the board to the horror of her pupils.
After an uproar and condemnations from many South Africans, Crawford College sent a letter to the parents that the school has been made aware of the video containing footage of ‘unacceptable nature’.
The school said the teacher involved is a ‘short-term temporary substitute teacher who was brought in a week ago to relieve a permanent teacher who was on sick leave. And that the teacher, said to be an 82-year-old woman, has been told not to return for duty.
In a statement, Chiloane said he supports the dismissal of the teacher and the department visited the school on Wednesday and said the school has provided counseling for the pupils involved.
Chiloane also said the teacher will be reported to the South African Council for Educators (SACE) for investigation and deregistration so that “she is not allowed to teach our children any further”.
According to the MEC, the school also undertook to review its recruitment measures to avoid enlisting candidates who may potentially threaten the delivery of quality education and learning.
“It is distasteful to see individuals who we have entrusted with the education of our children use that valuable time to push their own villainous agendas and poison the minds of our learners.
“We condemn, in the strongest sense, the behaviour of this educator and any others who may want to behave in such an unpalatable manner. We applaud the school for taking a swift decision in removing this educator immediately and being keen to take further remedial steps of action alongside the Department,” said Chiloane.
