The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has launched an investigation into alleged racially-motivated clashes between black and white learners at Hoërskool Jan Viljoen in Randfontein, on Gauteng’s West Rand.
Last week, a video showing learners divided along ‘racial’ lines fighting went viral on social media.
The surfacing of the video caused tensions that reached a boiling point that led to parents of both groups of learners clashing. Police were prompted to use rubber bullets to disperse them.
Classes at Hoërskool Jan Viljoen remain suspended.
SAHRC Commissioner Andre Gaum says, “We have decided to investigate the allegations of unfair discrimination and racism at the school as well as the voice note being circulated on social media where learners are being called the so-called gay word.”
Gaum says the Commission had an interview with the school’s principal to find out what happened and says the investigation is ongoing and more interviews would have to be conducted.
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi visited the school on Monday for a report on the incident that happened on Friday.
SAHRC launches investigation into an alleged racially-motivated altercation at Hoërskool Jan Viljoen:
WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE Hoërskool Jan Viljoen tensions
Racism that’s still incurred by black learners at schools,is dismaying!
I’m proud of Black learners at Hoerskool Jan Viljoen who r standing up 4themselves against institutionalized Racism & white supremacy ✊?
Gaslighting on racism by whites & house negros won’t work anymore#blm pic.twitter.com/mwFib9fOPp— Pan Africano (@PanAfricology) February 14, 2022
[MEDIA STATEMENT]: Briefing on the outcome MEC Lesufi visit to Jan Viljoen
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza @Lesufi visited Jan Viljoen High School in Randfontein today to obtain a report from the school leadership on the incident that occurred at the school on Friday, 11 Feb 2022 pic.twitter.com/NKjTAgqORp
— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) February 14, 2022
