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By Theolin Tembo 
1 hour ago
Cape Town – In a letter to parents, the governing body of Brackenfell High School has defended the recent event, which has sparked outrage and sparked a violent clash between residents and the EFF.
The EFF had been protesting alleged racism at the school, following reports of a white-only masquerade ball.
When the EFF descended on the school to protest the event, a group of predominantly white men, armed with baseball bats and rocks, attacked the protesters.
Before the confrontation, the school’s governing body (SGB) addressed parents in a letter signed by the president, Dr. Guillaume Smit, and the principal Jannie Muller, saying that “it is actually incorrect to refer to the role like a matrix farewell. ”
“This gives the impression that it was an official function of Brackenfell High School and it was not. The governing body decided several months ago that the school will not organize a matrix farewell function, as the risk of the Covid-19 pandemic is too great. The masked ball, known as the matrix farewell, was a private party hosted by the parents of those enrolled, and it did not fall under the control of the school at all, ”said SGB.
The SGB corroborated media reports that only 42 out of a group of 254 matrons were present in this particular role.
“The function took place in a private place and not at the school, as certain reports claim. Therefore, the governing body and staff of Brackenfell High School distance themselves from any allegation that Brackenfell High School will tolerate or accommodate any event that is reserved exclusively for certain groups, and especially racial groups. “
Earlier in the week, resident and parent Jay J Kotze said the party invitation was open and shared with all relevant people.
“The party was a private event that was planned by the parents for their children in matriculation. It was open to only 100 students, due to Covid-19 regulations, and a fee of R500 was charged.
“It was not an exclusive party for whites and several children of color attended. The school is not racist and does not deserve to go through so much unnecessary drama because a parent felt a certain way. The EFF is opportunistic and must stop exaggerating things, ”Kotze said.
The SGB highlighted that the school was an inclusive and integrated school. The school had also called on parents and residents to distance themselves from any violent behavior.
“We kindly ask our parents to please not behave in any way that puts the school under more pressure. No matter how difficult it is, we must try to remain calm at all times. Let the police and security be given the necessary space. to do their job and not hinder their work with our actions ”.
LETTER TO PARENTS – NOVEMBER 8, 2020 (Framed in blue) LETTER TO PARENTS – NOVEMBER 8, 2020 (Framed in black)
Posted by Brackenfell High School High on Sunday, November 8, 2020
Since the violent confrontation on Monday, the EFF has brought charges against the residents. Provincial President Melikhaya Xego said the members would not physically follow the case.
On Tuesday, Xego accompanied a group of EFF members to press charges against those who attacked them during their demonstration.
The SGB also failed in its attempt to obtain an urgent injunction in the Western Cape Superior Court to prohibit the EFF from holding further protests outside of school.
The EFF opposed the request.
No urgent injunction was granted and the request was postponed until Monday so that the EFF could present its papers on Friday.
The matter was heard before Judge Siraj Desai, who accepted the EFF’s commitment not to obstruct the current exams being conducted at the school.
* Additional report from Nomalanga Tshuma.
Cape Argus
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