The IRR says it is “deeply concerned about the allegations of racism levelled at the management of the Pretoria High School for Girls in applying purported discriminatory practices regarding the application of the school’s hair policy”.
Earlier reports says black pupils at Pretoria Girls High claim staff often tell them to straighten their hair and they are not allowed afros. The Department of Education suspended the school’s hair rules while an independent investigation takes place into the allegations.
The IRR says the consequences of acts of racism, potentially racist behaviour and the consequences of accusations of racism, can be very damaging in the current climate in South Africa. “This is particularly so in the face of insufficient information from all parties involved. The IRR welcomes the announcement by the MEC for Education in Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, that a formal investigation into the matter will be convened, and proposes that the investigation be independent of the Department so that all stakeholders can take part.
“The investigation must make findings to the MEC who can then take action on the evidence gathered. The government must then, if appropriate, create new regulations to set uniform, dress, and appearance standards at all Gauteng government schools. Those norms must then be applied by school managers,” the IRR says in a statement.
