The Commission has found that Brackenfell High School did not host a "whites only matric ball" as complaints suggested and therefore didn t discriminate against Grade 12 learners on the grounds of race.
The South African Human Rights Commission (the Commission or the SAHRC) has concluded its investigation into allegations of alleged racism in respect of a matric ball (Event) held in 2020 allegedly by the Brackenfell High School (School) for white learners only. While the Commission found, through its investigation, that some of the School’s officials knew about the Event, as details of the Event were shared by parents/guardians and learners of the School on WhatsApp, Facebook and by word of mouth; and four teachers had been invited in their private capacity, the evidence before the Commission exonerates the School from the planning, funding, advertising or hosting the Event. Accordingly, the Commission found that the School did not host a “whites only matric ball” and therefore did not discriminate, whether directly or indirectly, fairly or unfairly, against Grade 12 learners on the ground of race.
Commissioner Andre Gaum says they will still look into other allegations including from former learners that there is a culture of racism at the school.
The South African Human Rights Commission has cleared Brackenfell High School of discrimination following a matric dance furore that saw racism claims being made.