Inquiry over Brackenfell High ‘racism’

The SA Human Rights Commission ( SAHRC) is considering a broader inquiry into allegations of racial exclusion at schools following violent clashes over a matric party attended by some Brackenfell High School pupils.

Western Cape SAHRC commissioner Andre Gaum said the commission had initiated its own investigation into the events surrounding the party.

However, other complaints of racism received by the SAHRC countrywide indicate that a broader probe might be needed to examine whether there are systemic problems.

“We will get the facts based on our investigation,” Gaum said.

The commission had already visited the school on Tuesday and had discussions with the principal and the chairperson of the school governing body.

“We must stress that no findings have been made yet.”

The commission will include discussions with parents and pupils and allegations that teachers attended the event.

Gaum added that the right to protest is a fundamental right, but it also had to be exercised peacefully. It cannot infringe on the right to education.

He said wherever there were protests, there were limits to the right to protest, but it was a “very important” constitutional right.

The Brackenfell High School controversy arose as a result of most schools cancelling their traditional matric ball due to Covid-19. A claim was made that a private matric function, organised by parents, excluded people of colour.

The school distanced itself from the event, saying it was private, although some teachers had attended.

The Economic Freedom Fighters took up the issue, and some of its representatives held a meeting with the school last Friday, before violent clashes erupted near the school on Monday between angry community members and protesters.