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The Democratic Alliance notes the appearance in court  tomorrow of the
four learners from the Hoër Landbouskool in Jan Kempdorp accused of
raping a younger, black student.

The DA condemns this barbaric attack. The law must now run its course.

But the Education Department cannot take a back-seat while the court
handles the criminal matter.

A criminal act occurred on school premises, due to a culture of
discrimination and violence, and the department has a responsibility
to prevent this. It is especially worrying that this attack happened
at a school hostel where learners should feel safe under proper
supervision.

The DA has demanded that the Education Department act urgently, and
that disciplinary action be investigated against staff who may have
neglected their duties. To date, we have received no response to our
repeated requests for feedback. The premier was also silent on this
matter in her SOPA two weeks ago.

The DA has also demanded that schools tackle discrimination and
violence through active interventions from the Education Department,
that will change the culture in our schools.

Trying to sweep this incident under the carpet will not prevent
similar attacks from occurring again. It is time that the Education
Department comes out of the shadows and acknowledges that there is a
lot of work to do to make our schools safe, healthy and equal places
of learning.

Issued by DA