Suspended Maritzburg College prefects wait to hear fates

WHILE some former Maritzburg College boys believe that the suspended pupils involved in the orientation urine act should have only been stripped of their privileges, some parents feel tough measures should be taken against the prefects.

The senior pupils charged with misconduct were accused of relieving themselves in a long jump pit saturated with water that the juniors were expected to crawl through. The boys, who are continuing their studies from home, will know their fate once disciplinary action has been concluded.

The school’s governing body said this was the first time that pupils had been suspended due to unacceptable behaviour during the Grade 8 orientation camp, and they were confident that those directly involved, as well as the rest of the school, “would learn an important life lesson”.

In a statement, the school explained that the two day orientation camp, which involves an obstacle course and other activities, was introduced in 2015. The aim was to welcome new pupils and to teach them the ethos and traditions of the school. It said the staff was unaware of the incident until the camp was over.

“A group of Grade 8s reported that they had developed a skin rash following the orientation camp. During that reporting process, an allegation was made that the prefects urinated in the long jump pit. The school immediately initiated an investigation and acted according to the school’s strict code of conduct. The boys who presented with a rash were provided with appropriate medical treatment at the school’s clinic or at home. All boys who were implicated were immediately suspended pending the finalisation of the investigation,” the statement read.

One parent said it was time the toxic cycle was broken and that the seniors involved should no longer be prefects.

“They don’t deserve it. The school needs to rethink the whole initiation process of new pupils. Use prefects and other matrics in a positive way, to guide and mentor the new pupils during quite a daunting time for many, rather than causing unnecessary trauma and anxiety,” she said.

The governing body emphasised that no pupil was exposed to any form of initiation, as both the law and the school’s code of conduct were against such a process.

“The school has a zero tolerance for unacceptable behaviour and it is important for learners and parents to report issues such as this so that appropriate action can be taken. The school’s good name and reputation is important to all of us, our learners, parents, staff and the governing body, and we are always considering ways to improve. This incident highlights an opportunity to work with the broader school community to enhance all of our learners’ five-year school experience at college,” the statement read.

Maritzburg College is believed to be the oldest high school in KZN.