Curro School: HRC must investigate non-compliance

18 June 2015

The DA calls on the Human Rights Commission (HRC) to investigate why the Curro School in Roodeplaat failed to implement recommendations to rectify the racial segregation of learners (see eNCA report). 

In February, the school’s management admitted to “making a mistake” after it was found to have split learners into classrooms according to race. 

However, it appears that school management’s remorse was short-lived as video footage has emerged showing learners being racially segregated before going on a school trip. 

The DA strongly condemns such continued racist behaviour, and we call on the HRC to conduct a full review of the Curro School’s compliance with the recommendations made by the Chapter 9 body after the initial complaint. 

Schools should be places of learning where talents and career paths are identified - not where discrimination is taught or practiced. 

Learners should realise that South Africa is dealing with a painful past that requires redress and reconciliation if we are to build one nation with one future.

Apartheid and segregation is part of that painful past, and denied the majority of South Africans the freedom, rights and opportunities to live a better life. 

We therefore believe that the HRC, along with the education department, school management and parents, should agree on an additional educational programme to be presented at Curro, covering the country’s history and the need to redress past discrimination. 

The DA believes that a prosperous South Africa can only be realised when all young people are afforded the opportunity to receive equal and quality education, irrespective of their race or social standing. 

Statement issued by Khume Ramulifho, MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, June 18 2015