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BRACKENFELL, SOUTH AFRICA – NOVEMBER 20: Police disperse crowds with tear gas during the EFF mass protest on November 20, 2020 in Brackenfell, South Africa. The protest action follows a controversial incident at Brackenfell High School, where a group of students and teachers were accused of organizing a private “white only” matrix dance. (Photo by Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)
Police used stun grenades and sprayed food coloring and tear gas to disperse some 2,000 EFF supporters in Brackenfell, on the outskirts of Cape Town, today. The protesters were trying to force their way through police barricades that protect the routes to Brackenfell High School.
A permit was granted today for the EFF protest in front of Brackenfell High School, authorizing 100 protesters to deliver a memo to the school.
The EFF said the purpose of the protest was to highlight alleged racism and segregation at the school, something students have posted on social media.
The heart of the matter was a private function organized by parents to celebrate the end of enrollment after the traditional dance of enrollment was canceled due to Covid-19.
Photo / Shiraaz Mohamed.
It was claimed that the black students were not informed or invited to the function. Apparently, two teachers attended the function in a wine estate.
EFF General Secretary Marshall Dlamini negotiated with the police and called for an increase in the number of protesters authorized to march to the school.
An agreement was reached so that 500, instead of 100, protesters could approach the school. However, meters down Paradys Road, EFF supporters tried to force their way through the cordon and barricade and police opened fire with stun guns and tear gas.
Photo / Shiraaz Mohamed.
The protesters dispersed in all directions.
The police maintained a perimeter and negotiations were resumed. The stalemate lasted more than an hour, and more EFF members joined the protest. At 3 p.m., there was still no sign of the party’s leader, Julius Malema.
A cordon of barbed wire was erected around the school, and the Cape Party set up a tent outside the premises. Party leaders said they were there in solidarity with Brackenfell residents.
Around 3 p.m., a white man approached Dlamini as he addressed the crowd, an argument ensued that led to a fight. Some in the crowd began assaulting the man and the police again fired stun grenades and rubber bullets. There are reports of protesters injured.
This is a story in development. DM / MC
