Cape Town - Two Cape Winelands parents have asked the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to probe a top school after their son was denied placement, allegedly for being the “wrong colour”.
As a result he is still at home, having found no suitable alternative.
Mzimasi and Vuyokazi Dyani wrote to the commission after their son Somila was rejected by Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch.
The SAHRC confirmed it had received the Dyanis request.
They allege that the principal had denied their son a place at the school because he was black and, instead, referred them to two other schools in Kayamandi - a predominately black suburb in Stellenbosch.
“Initially, we were not given any reason as to why he was not accepted. Academically, my son is above average and he is a stellar rugby player. He has gone to the best pre-schools and primary school.
“I got the feeling that the principal did not want my son there because he is black. That is why we have asked the (SAHRC) to investigate,” said Mzimasi.
Paul Roos Gymnasium principal Jannie van der Westhuizen denied accusations that Somila was rejected because he was black.
The school had always received too many applications and it simply had no space available for Somila, he said.
“We have black, coloured, white and even Korean pupils who attend this school. I absolutely deny accusations that he was rejected because he is black,” Van der Westhuizen said.
Referring Somila to alternative schools in Kayamandi was not something new, he said.
“Depending on where you live, I will refer you to the nearest school. The parents should not have taken offence to that.”
In a letter to addressed to Vuyokazi Dyani, dated December 23, 2014, the SAHRC said: “The SAHRC confirms that your complaint has been allocated to Miss N Diko for further attention.”
The Diyanis said they still awaited feedback from the commission.
The SACP in the province has condemned the incident.
Party spokesman Masonwabe Sokoyi said more pupils had been rejected because of their race.
“The instance is not a new trend on application to this particular school.
“Other working-class pupils have also fallen victim to a school that seems cemented in maintaining selected acceptance of those who suit a class-race criteria.
“The SACP in the Western Cape, therefore, urges Paul Roos Gymnasium to accept Somila and desist from practising class-race criteria on application,” Sokoyi said.
Jessica Shelver, the spokeswoman to Western Cape Education MEC Debbie Schäfer, confirmed the allegations were brought to the department’s attention.
“Racism will not be accepted or tolerated in our schools. We will investigate this as a matter of urgency. If the allegations prove to be true, then action will be taken,” she said.
Cape Times