Rita Odafe
As the Western Cape education department’s spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond revealed, the hearings, involving numerous participants, are still in progress. The school aims to swiftly address the issue, accommodating all individuals’ schedules.
According to provincial regulations, students can be provisionally suspended for up to seven school days during investigations. Hammond specified that the five learners are allowed back in school pursuant to these regulations until the proceedings are finalized.
The controversial incident raised public ire as the video circulated online, showcasing white students “bidding” on their black peers, leading to bids reaching exorbitant amounts like R100,000 and even bitcoin transactions under the caption “slavery at school is crazy.”
Despite ongoing investigations, Hammond stressed that the education department is letting the school handle the disciplinary process independently for now.
The incident has ignited discussions on racism and student conduct in South African educational institutions, with the resolution of the hearings closely monitored by the public and education authorities.
