By Buziwe Nocuze
A video showing black learners being “auctioned” as “slaves” by coloured classmates at Pinelands High School in Cape Town has left many people furious, with calls for the suspects to be punished.
In the video, which went viral on social media, black learners stand behind a gate while coloured learners make bids for them.
Merle Potgieter, the mother of a 14-year-old learner at the school, said her son, who identifies as black, refused to be auctioned.
In an interview with eNCA, she said her son and other black learners at the school had been subjected to racial abuse in the past, which she had reported to the school authorities.
The Pinelands High School governing body wrote in a letter that the school was investigating the alleged racist bullying by some Grade 8 pupils.
“A number of students have been precautionarily suspended, pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation. Further actions will be taken as necessary,” it wrote.
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said: “The department is aware of the disturbing video; the actions of the learners do not reflect the values of the school or the [department].”
The DA Western Cape education spokesperson Leon van Wyk said: “Given our country’s history, this issue is understandably emotional and hurtful for many. Appropriate disciplinary procedures must be followed.”
One Cape Town resident, speaking anonymously, said the learners need to be punished.
“Coloured learners often look down on black people. What the kids did is similar to what many parents do in workplaces. I wasn’t shocked to see the video, and sadly, it won’t stop just because it went viral,” said the resident.
Luyolo Sokoti, another resident, hopes the department will hand out harsh penalties.
“What the learners did brings back painful memories of apartheid. They should be doing better things instead of making black learners their slaves,” said Sokoti.
The EFF have also threatened to close the school down if action is not taken.
Pictured above: Pinelands High School.
Source: Pinelands High School
