Dad’s ‘racism’ claim against school

A GEORGE father claiming a Southern Cape school has denied his 13-year-old daughter access based on her colour has hauled the school to the Equality Court for alleged racism.

Richard Seekoei in his founding affidavit claimed Outeniqua High School and its principal had unfairly discriminated against him and his child because they were coloured and the majority of pupils at the school were white.

ANC MPL and provincial spokesperson on education Muhammad Khalid Sayed said: “This is unacceptable and we want the circuit manager to launch an immediate investigation into the incident. This not the first time that non-white pupils experience this and we want to this matter to discussed at the legislature.”

Seekoei explained that during 2016, his family resided in George, but due to a criminal matter involving the minor, relocated to Cape Town for mental and psychological healing.

In October last year the child was ready to move back to George.

“In October 2019 we applied for admission to Outeniqua High School after we entered into a housing agreement and took up occupation on January 2, 2020.

“In November 2019 we were informed that our application was unsuccessful and that the minor child will have to attempt application at another school more than 10km from her new residential address.”

He added: “On January 13, 2020, I visited the Outeniqua High School where I witnessed a white pupil applying for admission being accepted in my presence. The details of the pupil will be disclosed during the court session.

“I was informed my application was late but I am aware of others being accepted despite late applications, including the incident of January 13.”

The school indicated they were not at liberty to talk about the matter and that the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) be approached a comment.

The WCED did not reply by the time of going to press.