Teacher didn’t hide his apartheid past

HAVING read the article concerning Westerford High history teacher Gordon Brookbanks’s affiliation with the apartheid government, printed on Monday, I believe that he has been portrayed unfairly.

Mr Brookbanks never kept any of his past a secret from his students. I had the pleasure of being in his class in Grade 10 in 2014, and I can say with confidence that we were all well aware of it.

Furthermore, he would meet any questions about his past with honesty and clarity.

I also had the privilege of participating on the History Tour in 2016.

Mr Brookbanks, in my memory, is an outstanding teacher who invigorates a passion for learning in those he teaches, encouraging conversation on a range of topics including current affairs, delving into the intricate contexts that make up the complexities we face today.

With full knowledge of his history, I occasionally found myself searching for any hint of bias in his teaching, but constantly failed to do so.

I cannot defend his actions and affiliations with the apartheid government, but I believe that a man who goes above and beyond to inspire his students and share his passion for history with a completely unbiased approach, helps to make amends for whatever his previous wrongdoings may have been.

I received 89% for my matric history papers, one of my proudest achievements.

I do not believe I could have received this mark if he had taught with prejudice.

I remain a proud Old Westerfordian.