The EFF in Gauteng insists that the chief executive of the Curro Academy Protea Glen in Soweto be fired and prosecuted after an alleged incident of racism took place at this primary school a few months ago.
The party also calls on the Human Rights Commission (HRC) to investigate incidents of racism at this private education group as these incidents are not isolated, according to him.
The EFF claims that the CEO of the Curro Academy Protea Glen called a teacher at this school “a monkey” on 3 June this year. The teacher apparently reported the incident to the school and filed a formal complaint, but according to the EFF, dates came of it.
“This comes as no surprise, because Curro schools are constantly making headlines for their unrepentant racist behaviour,” the party now says.
Fergus Sampson, spokesman for Curro, said in response to the allegations that the private education group is aware of an incident at the Curro Academy Protea Glen “which involves allegations by a teacher that a senior member of staff used a derogatory and discriminatory manner with spoke to her”.
According to Sampson, Curro takes the allegations very seriously and has already launched an investigation. “However, the details of this case are complex. An external mediator has been appointed to assist,” says Sampson.
Sampson went on to say that the Curro group abhors racism in all its forms.
However, the EFF pointed to other incidents of alleged racism. “In 2015, the parents of Curro schools in the Northern Cape took to the streets and accused Curro of segregation. Curro Roodeplaat near Pretoria was also accused of segregation in the same year.
“In 2018 Curro Waterfall was accused of racist labor practices and in 2019 cleaners at Curro Oakdene were allegedly called monkeys by a teacher while eating lunch in the staff room.
“The Curro group is owned and managed by unrepentant racists who harken back to the old days of apartheid. To date, no real action has been taken against the Curro group,” says an angry EFF.
Several members of the EFF marched to the Curro Academy Protea Glen on Monday.
Amidst the uproar, the Curro group acquired additional security to ensure the safety of staff, teachers and the learners.
“We ask that the matter be resolved peacefully and with due process of fairness, without violence or the threat of violence of any kind. We are dealing with people and children,” says Sampson.
Sampson also emphasized that the Curro Group is committed to unity, racial cohesion and dignity for all. “We do not condone any form of discrimination, bullying, intolerance, hate speech or degrading language that affects human dignity.”
