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Members of the Brackenfell community 50 meters from the police.
PHOTO: Cebelihle Mthethwa / News24
- A group of Brackenfell High alumni asked the school to investigate the allegations of racism.
- They recommend that a retired judge or senior attorney lead a fact-finding mission.
- The group feels this is the only way to show that the school is serious about eradicating racism.
A group of Brackenfell High School alumni wrote an open letter calling for a fact-finding mission, led by a retired judge or lead attorney, into the allegations of racism at the school.
The “petition” on Change.org asks the school to “open the wound” to get to the bottom of the complaints of racism.
“We believe this is the only way to send a clear message to your current and former students, the school community and the country at large that Brackenfell High School is serious about eradicating racism,” the petition says.
“Those who have suffered from racism at the hands of the school should be allowed to step up and reveal their experiences in a safe and formalized space. Only once the truth has been established and all voices have been heard, the healing process can begin. “
About 600 people had signed the petition, titled “Alumni Open Letter to the Principal and the Brackenfell High School SGB,” on Thursday morning.
It was started by alumni Nashira Davids (enrolled in 1998), Carryn-Ann Nel (2002), Siya Ntuntwana (2016), and * Adriaan Basson (1999), who is also editor-in-chief of News24.
Some people left comments to explain why they were signing.
“I am signing because I want to play my role to make sure the school is accountable and changes happen,” wrote one person.
“I’m signing because I want to see a good way out of all the chaos,” wrote another.
READ | Brackenfell standoff could go to court as city of Cape Town pursues EFF for damages
The petition is addressed to Principal Jannie Muller and School Governing Body (SGB) President Guillaume Smit and was started by “concerned and proud alumni of Brackenfell High School.”
Davids explained why they asked for the investigation.
“Everyone should have a safe space to talk about their experience,” Davids said.
Davids added that her time at school left her with fond memories, which is why she was disappointed when she heard the allegations about the matrix party.
The open letter states that alumni are presenting “egregious stories of alleged discrimination at the hands of current and former teachers.”
The experiences were also shared on an Instagram account, and these should be broadcast and not hidden under the rug, he said.
They acknowledged the school’s letter to parents, expressing their regret for the pain caused to students of color and their commitment to resume sensitivity and diversity training next year.
“However, we believe that it cannot be fully healed unless it opens the wound,” the petition said.
The Brackenfell controversy was sparked when a party was thrown to make up for the traditional matrix farewell, which could not be held due to Covid-19.
READ ALSO | Brackenfell High: Cape Town man who highlighted private party files bullying charges
It is alleged that the party was attended by white students and that black students were left out.
There were reports of apologies from some people of color who were invited but were unable to attend. However, the problem has continued to appear without solution.
A planned protest by an EFF delegation, angered by accusations of racism, ended in a violent confrontation near the school on November 9.
As tension mounted, the Pan-Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) also attempted a march towards the school, but was rebuffed when the police fired stun grenades.
A group of EFF supporters arrived in Brackenfell on Friday for a protest organized for 100 people. However, the participation of EFF supporters was so great that negotiations were initiated to allow 500 EFF supporters to attend the picket.
Tear gas, a water cannon and stun grenades were used intermittently while police blocked the roads leading to the school.
The school stated that it was working on a diversity program.
Smit said the SGB hoped the director would send them the petition, adding that they would comment later.
* Adriaan Basson is editor-in-chief of News24. He enrolled at Brackenfell High School in 1999.
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