Racism claims at school
Brackenfell High was battleground between EFF and white men armed with baseball bats
A 39-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested for public violence after disturbing scenes of racism broke out at Brackenfell High School yesterday.
As the EFF descended on the school to protest over a matric event that was attended by white pupils only, a group of white men, armed with baseball bats and stones, attacked the peaceful group of protesters.
They were videoed assaulting a woman with a baseball bat, and pelting EFF members who retreated with stones.
EFF deputy provincial chairperson Nosipho Makamba-Botya said she met the school governing body afterwards, and was told that those who became physically violent were not from the school community, but instead a group of “armed right-wingers” who hijacked the demonstration.
“In what was a display of pure white arrogance, the men attacked EFF members, undermining their constitutional right to protest and assaulting them physically,” the EFF said.
A parent, who asked to remain anonymous for the protection of her child, who was a student leader at the school, said racism has been prevalent throughout the learner’s schooling, including when he attended Brackenfell Primary School.
“I am glad this incident has highlighted the situation. Racism and being made to feel excluded is a part of the culture of the school,” she said.
Two learners of colour yesterday said they were never asked to join the matric ball, which was arranged by white parents.
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said: “Police took action to disperse the crowd. No injuries were reported. A case of public violence was opened for investigation and a 39-yearold suspect was arrested.”
A parent denied they were racist and said that it “just so happened” that only white learners attended the party.