North West Premier Thandi Modise has welcomed an indication by the South African Human Rights Commission that it will probe claims of racism at a North West school.
“Any act of racism must be thoroughly investigated and perpetrators need to be dealt with accordingly. We are hopeful that an independent investigation by the HRC will get to the facts and make appropriate recommendations,” said Premier Modise earlier today.
Modise had earlier reacted with dismay to media reports on claims of racism at a North West school and called for human rights education, values and anti-racism to be intensified as part of the curriculum.
It was reported that 14-year old twin brothers Kago and Kagiso Mangope, who are doing Grade 8 at Potchefstroom Gimnasium School were constantly being referred to as “kaffirs.” In welcoming the probe, Modise said it is important that all South Africans fully understand the disastrous repercussions of racism.
“We are busy repairing the damage done by racism in this country and we cannot allow incidents such as the one that is being reported to take us a step back. We want to ensure that as we celebrate twenty years of democracy in this country no South African is called by derogatory names or denigrated in any way,” said Premier Modise.
The Premier said that the provincial government will await the outcome of the HRC investigation, adding that there will be no place for racists in South Africa.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Cell: 083 629 1987
Tel: 018 388 3705
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
