The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed that video footage from the inter-school rugby match between Fairmont High School and The Settlers High School will be used as part of an investigation following claims of the use of the so-called 'k-word'.
Reports indicate the incident occurred on Saturday during the match between the two schools' teams. Video widely circulated shows a referee addressing the coaches, asking for help in resolving the situation. He is heard saying: 'I think I need both coaches, there was use of the k-word here, I will not tolerate it. Unfortunately, I have to stop the game. I cannot participate in racism, guys, you understand. Call the coaches for me.'
A WCED representative, Brona Hammond, confirmed that an investigation is underway. She stated: 'WCED is aware of these allegations. The matter is under investigation. WCED will provide any necessary support, including counseling, if required. The issue is receiving the necessary attention from both schools, and we ask that the schools be allowed to conduct an investigation without interference or disruption. Video materials are being tracked as part of the investigation.'
Both schools, located in the northern suburbs, published official statements regarding the alleged incident, urging the educational community to refrain from spreading unverified information on social media. The official statement from Fairmont High School read: 'We are aware of the regrettable incident that occurred during the inter-school rugby match (on Saturday). Rest assured that this matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness and will be thoroughly investigated in accordance with school policy, applicable legislation, and due legal procedure. We respectfully urge all members of our school community to refrain from publishing or commenting on unverified information, including content on social media, as this could escalate an already sensitive situation and jeopardize the integrity of the investigation.'
The Settlers High also stated: 'We are aware of the regrettable incident that occurred during the inter-school rugby match on Saturday. The School Governing Body (SGB) and the school management team are taking this matter extremely seriously. Rest assured that it is being thoroughly investigated in strict accordance with school policy, applicable legislation, and due legal procedure.'
The South African Human Rights Commission was also approached regarding the matter. The founder of Parents for Equal Education (Peesa) expressed that those responsible should be banned from participating in sporting events. She noted: 'As a society, we must ask ourselves where these children learn such behavior when they are born in democratic South Africa, where they should grow up in an inclusive society where they should accept and respect the diversity that we strive to respect and support.' She added: 'I want to commend the referee who said that such things would not happen under his name or supervision. We must have serious accountability measures where we say: you are a team, and you will be punished collectively because you must be accountable to each other.'
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