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The DA will request that the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) investigate the appalling alleged racial abuse and threats made against a Grade 3 pupil by a music teacher at Parkdene Primary School in Boksburg.

According to The Star the nine year old pupil, who may not be named, has allegedly had to endure abuse, harassment, name-calling and discrimination by his teacher. The principal and the teacher have received several complaints from the pupil’s parents, however nothing has been done.

The SAHRC, in terms of s184(2) of the Constitution, has the power to investigate and report on the observance of human rights, as well as take steps to secure appropriate redress where human rights have been violated.

The DA also urges Gauteng Education MEC Barbara Creecy to formally investigate the matter and, if deemed appropriate, suspend and charge the teacher and principal for misconduct in terms of the Employment of Educators Act (No 76 of 1998). The Gauteng Education Department must also demonstrate that such trampling of our Bill of Rights will not be tolerated.
Schools should be a safe haven for learners, and not an environment of abuse, racial slurs and fear.