Primary & Secondary Education News South Africa

Gauteng premier condemns racism in schools

Gauteng Premier David Makhura on Wednesday expressed concern over allegations of racism in schools across the province and condemned racial discrimination.
Gauteng premier condemns racism in schools
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According to his office, Premier Makhura said incidents of racism in schools will receive comprehensive attention.

This after Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi on Monday visited Curro School in Pretoria North, which has been reported to have placed learners in classes according to their race.

MEC Lesufi held a meeting with the school management, South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), parents' representatives and other education stakeholders on the day.

The school admitted its wrongdoing and the MEC apologised to affected parents and learners, and the country on behalf of the education sector. The school management is expected to also apologise in its own time.

SAHRC and MEC Lesufi said they will be monitoring commitments made by the school to stop the practice and embrace integration and move forward immediately.

The premier's office said MEC Lesufi briefed Premier Makhura about his initial assessment of the situation and other incidents of this nature in various schools in the province.

Premier Makhura said the provincial government will be working very closely with institutions such as the SAHRC and the civil society to eradicate racial discrimination.

"We condemn racism and all other forms of discrimination, such incidents are a threat to our social cohesion agenda and will not be tolerated in this democratic dispensation," said Premier Makhura.

The office said the Gauteng government is in the process of compiling a comprehensive plan to address all forms of discrimination, including xenophobia.

"Premier Makhura will elaborate on this plan during his forthcoming State of the Province Address on 23 February," said the Premier's office.

Source: SAnews.gov.za

SAnews.gov.za is a South African government news service, published by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). SAnews.gov.za (formerly BuaNews) was established to provide quick and easy access to articles and feature stories aimed at keeping the public informed about the implementation of government mandates.

Go to: http://www.sanews.gov.za
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