On Monday the Gauteng education department released findings of its investigation into allegations of racism at the Pretoria Girls High which revealed a disturbing culture of racism at the institution.
The probe was instigated by a protest by black learners in July that was itself in response to a whites only WhatsApp group in which Africans were referred to in derogatory terms with the full knowledge of teachers and school management.
The department ordered that the implicated girls be suspended but were later cleared by the school following a rushed internal hearing that relied largely on suspected racists’ version of events prompting the government to establish an independent inquiry.
As if that was not enough, on Tuesday the city once again became the site of gross racism as the Democratic Alliance, Freedom Front + and right-wing pressure group Afriforum led a protest against the Bella Bill during which the so-called Boer Flag ( a banned apartheid era symbol of white domination) was in full display prompting outrage on social media.
Also controversial was the performance by known racist Steve Hofmeyer who entertained the crowd with a musical performance.
Both the DA and FF+ are part of the Government of National Unity put together by the ANC and led calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa not to sign into law, the legislation meant to improve access to education for millions of black children currently being excluded on the basis of language ( not being Afrikaans speaking).
Ironically the DA, Afriforum and the other formations that marched with them against the Bela Bill have commented to the Gauteng education report into racism at the Pretoria Girls High which also uncovered corruption as well nepotism practiced by among others the principal and the governing body.
Despite multiple explanations by the government, the DA and others are adamant the Bela Bill was a threat to the very existence of Afrikaans language and culture.
At the centre of the discourse is the continued exclusion of millions of black children who are not allowed in schools in their areas simply because they are not Afrikaner.
“Schools, through their governing bodies, are able to make decisions which reflect the needs of parents and the local communities. We cannot allow the BELA Act! #StopBELA #DAatWork,” said DA Gauteng in post on social media platform X.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi who also served as education MEC has been the most prominent campaigner for the Bela Bill reiterated the ANC’s long standing position on transforming the education sector.
“The doors of Learning and Culture Shall be opened for ALL! We are not intimidated by your selfish interests. All our children regardless of race or language can learn together at the same school to build a truly non racial South Africa! What’s wrong in having our children learning together?” said Lesufi in a reply to the DA on X.
EFF Tshwane Regional Chairperson Obakeng Ramabodu ( also an MMC in a new coalition government that includes the ANC and Action SA) who just like Lesufi has been subject of attacks by the DA and Afriforum, mostly for his role in ending the blue party’s 8 year hold on the capital with the removal of Celliers Brink as mayor also weighed in calling out the alleged racism being advanced by the protesting group.
“A gathering of those who don’t want our children to learn together they want a white only education system . What kind of democracy is this that must exclude other leaners because of their colour,” said Ramabodu on X.
The DA march also sparked conversations about how the capital city has been allowed to keep many apartheid and colonial symbols including the choice of venue, the Voortrekker Monument which many Afrikaners view as a symbol of their conquest of Africa.
In September Ramaphosa signed the Bela Bill into law but took an unprecedented step of leaving out parts of the amendment act which the DA and pro-Afrikaner groups are opposed to.
The demonstrations were meant to ensure the president never signs the disputed parts into law.
Sports, arts and culture minister Gayton McKenzie received the protestors’ memorandum on behalf of the presidency.