Brackenfell High School to Implement Diversity Training, First African-American Boy Speaks Out



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By Asanda Sokanyile Article publication time3h ago

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Cape Town – Brackenfell High School is in the process of addressing concerns and putting measures in place to facilitate diversity.

His transformation policy was recently criticized following an alleged white-only enrollment event held a few weeks ago.

Since then, the school’s governing body has apologized for the event, as well as all the violence that took place outside the school after the private performance.

In a statement sent by the SGB, and signed by the principal, they said that they “are fully committed to participating in future discussions with students and with parents to ensure a constructive path forward.

“The school is also committed to expanding and adapting to make school a better place where all of our children will be adequately equipped to function in a multicultural society where we embrace diversity and inclusion.”

Western Cape Department of Education spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the department would not launch an investigation into allegations of racism at the school as a result of the event, which said “the school did not organize, organize, host or approve of this event. “.

“So it doesn’t make sense to suggest that we charge or suspend the principal or teachers for an event they haven’t organized,” he said.

Hammond, however, admitted that “the teaching staff has lacked diversity in recent years.

“As a department, we believe that there should be a greater emphasis on diversity in the school. Therefore, WCED will involve the school in this in the coming weeks. “

The school has 1,500 students and 90 staff members, of whom only 15% (225) of the students are of color and all staff members are white.

The school’s first black principal, Luvuyo Mose, spoke about how he and his classmates felt like they didn’t belong.

“We feel out of place, unwanted, like we weren’t supposed to be there,” he said.

Mose was a team manager in 2014 and alleged that he was denied the opportunity to be a rugby captain even though his teammates had chosen him.

“The coach said that the team needed someone with more experience. They crossed me out and the coach chose a white boy. Racism at school is and has always been swept under the rug, I am happy for what is happening because maybe now racism will be solved, “added Mose.

The South African Human Rights Commission is investigating allegations of unfair discrimination stemming from the event in which some students were allegedly not invited.

Commissioner Andre Gaum said the investigation is still in its infancy, but that the school and the student body have agreed to cooperate.

“More interviews are needed to determine how two teachers supposedly came to attend the event and how the rest of the school was left out. If other problems arise, we will investigate them as well, ”he said.

Equal Education also entered the fray, condemning the organization of the function, asking the school principal to take action.

“The fact that white kids don’t see anything wrong with a ‘white only’ party says a lot about the kind of future Brackenfel students they should look forward to.

” The whole scandal is racially motivated as it makes people of color look and feel less human. Personally, the director must be held accountable, since he is the leader and he is the one who must promote a non-racial environment, ”said Mihlali Mateta, apprentice member.

Argus weekend



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