Confronting Racism in Our Schools

GOOD Statement by Matthew Cook, GOOD National Chairperson and City of Johannesburg Councillor:

The latest incident of alleged racism at Bryandale Primary School in Bryanston is yet another painful reminder that South African schools still have a long way to go before genuine transformation and inclusion are achieved.

It is alleged that an Indian learner told two Black students “You stupid Black people are so predictable.” Such language is deeply offensive, dehumanising, and has no place in any learning environment. This incident must be treated with the seriousness it demands, not as a “playground misunderstanding,” but as a reflection of wider issues of racism and marginalisation that persist in our schools.

While many public and private schools proudly promote values of diversity and transformation in their mission statements, these values must go beyond lip service. Transformation is not a passive hope; it requires active, ongoing engagement and institutional introspection.

Schools play a critical role in redressing the deep inequalities and marginalisation embedded in our society. They must be proactive in creating safe and affirming environments for all children, not only through symbolic gestures, but through deliberate action, anti-racism training, and clear accountability mechanisms.

The incident at Bryandale is not isolated. Just two days ago, a Grade 8 learner at De La Salle Holy Cross College was reportedly told, “You don’t belong… go home, you (K-word).” In 2024, Pretoria High School for Girls made headlines after racist WhatsApp messages targeted Black pupils. That same year, Jeppe High School for Girls in Johannesburg came under fire when Black pupils were removed from class for wearing coloured braids, while white pupils with dyed hair faced no repercussions.

These are not isolated “bad apples.” They reflect systemic failures that schools must urgently address.

We call on school governing bodies, education departments, and communities to treat these incidents with the seriousness they deserve. Silence or delay enables racism to fester. We must demand not only awareness but transformation that is measurable, monitored, and real.

Because if our schools can’t be safe and just spaces for our children, we cannot expect our society to be either.

GOOD Economic Inclusion: The party aims to ensure that all South Africans can participate in the economy.

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