CONSIDERABLE and sensational publicity has been given to certain learners at Pretoria High School for Girls who have stood up for their rights. They opposed certain racist practices that they allege prevail at the school. Their concerns included a prohibition on speaking in their mother tongue in private conversations and, most importantly, not being permitted to style their hair in afros and knots, in a way they maintain gives expression to their character as African women.Their claim was that the code of conduct at the school was being misused to oppress them and their right to expression as African women, proud of their heritage.In their anguish and pain, the girls appealed to education MEC Panyaza Lesufi, listing their grievances in a memorandum. Lesufi gave the girls a sympathetic hearing and suspended the code of conduct.This incident is a clear indication that racism, which can take on many manifestations, remains a social malady that needs to be addressed with urgency and se...
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