School racism row rages on

CALLS FOR ACTION: DEPARTMENT CONTRADICTS MBEKI'S REPORT, CITING SENIOR STAFF'S MISCONDUCT

- Marizka Coetzer

Despite Thabo Mbeki's Foundation clearly stating there was no racism at Pretoria Girls High, the Gauteng department of education yesterday released a report claiming the opposite. Former president Mbeki went as far as accusing the department's spokesperson of lying, saying the department was determined to smear the school with a charge of racism.

But Gauteng MEC for education, sport, arts, culture and recreation Matome Chiloane released the findings of an independent investigation by Mdladlamba Attorneys, who were commissioned by the department.

Mbeki's foundation called for the reinstatement of the principal and her deputy.

And principal Phillipa Erasmus and deputy principal Doret Schoombie were reinstated yesterday, but could be suspended again.

Erasmus was suspended and Schoombie was moved to report to the district office in July after 12 matric pupils were suspended for allegedly making racist remarks in a WhatsApp group.

The pupils were later found not guilty in an independent investigation and returned to school.