Issued by: SA Communication Service
15 May 1997
South Africa belongs to all who live in it, her schools belong to all her children. The South African Schools Act has given practical effect to this ideal by opening the doors of our learning and cultural institution to all our children. These institution now belong equally to all South Africa's children.
I am therefore deeply concerned by the latest reports of racial clashes between black and white pupils at the Elandspoort High School at Danville. If the reports are true, it would certainly be a disturbing and disappointing development. The events at the school highlight the difficult road ahead and the major hurdles to be overcome towards a fully integrated schooling system.
I call upon the parents, students and teachers in that school and all other schools to redouble their efforts at maximising unity, tolerance and mutual respect. Black and White parents must collectively strive for an environment where differences, tensions and conflict among their children will not degenerate into racial hatred and bigotry. I urgently call on all of them to act responsibly in resolving the present problem at the school, and not use this incident to arouse emotions and fan racial hatred I hope that all of us as adults will ensure that our sorry past does not create a bleak future for our children.
I am confident that the Provincial education authorities will do their best to assist this school to overcome its present problems.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL MR LINCOLN MALI AT 083 251 4044