More parents at Soneike High in Kuyuls River have come forward with accusations of intimidation, humiliation, and emotional stress experienced by students. The School Governing Body (SGB) defended its disciplinary procedures amid ongoing police investigations.
The latest claims concern the unfair targeting of students regarding uniform rules, appearance policies, and disciplinary matters. Parents assert that their children's emotional well-being and academic performance have suffered.
One mother reported that her teenage son changed drastically after enrolling in the school last year. She stated that repeated conflicts with teachers over his hairstyle and uniform severely undermined his self-confidence.
Parents claim intimidation and emotional distress
She recounted how her previously happy child became withdrawn, struggled academically, and often cried before going to school. She claimed these incidents contributed to severe anxiety, including a panic attack requiring hospitalization, and her son also expressed suicidal thoughts.
Another parent stated that his child was repeatedly humiliated by teachers. Among such incidents was an instance where the student was mistakenly ordered to remain detained, causing him to miss pre-arranged transport home.
A SAPS representative, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, confirmed the registration of an intimidation case at the Kuyuls River police station. Twigg stated: 'The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrests have been made yet.'
Parents describe alleged impact on students
Police had previously confirmed investigations into intimidation and obstruction of justice related to incidents that occurred on October 13 and April 17, 2026, respectively. In a circular addressed to parents and guardians published in the Cape Argus, the SGB dismissed the allegations of unfair treatment and defended its disciplinary methods.
The council cited misconduct, including damage to school property, displaying pornographic material to students, violating uniform rules, and climbing over school fences. The circular stated: 'For each matter, the SGB followed due procedure and found individuals guilty according to the school's Code of Conduct.'
The governing body also refuted allegations of child abuse, stating: 'There was no child abuse. Measures were taken to address ongoing destructive behavior and uphold the school's Code of Conduct for students.'
PEESA calls for independent oversight
However, Vanessa Le Roux, founder of Parents for Equal Education SA (PEESA), rejected the SGB's response. She noted that parents who filed complaints independently are now discovering that other families faced similar issues. Le Roux said: 'Yes, they (the school) still deny any misconduct, but at this stage, these people do not know each other. They are shocked because parents thought they were going crazy alone.'
She also asserted that one student was forced to leave the school after being given an ultimatum: either leave or face expulsion. According to Le Roux, the student's mother subsequently withdrew the child from the school and filed a criminal case. She emphasized: 'So they can deny whatever they want, the evidence exists.'
A WCED representative, Millicent Merton, previously confirmed that one teacher was disciplined following a disciplinary hearing. She disputed allegations of student victimization, claiming previous complaints were reportedly driven by dissatisfaction with the outcomes of disciplinary measures. Merton also confirmed that allegations of sexual assault involving two students are under investigation, and support measures are being implemented.
In response to the latest accusations, WCED stated that it is engaging with the school and will investigate the parental complaints. The department noted: 'WCED is interacting with the school and investigating the alleged claims. Facts must be established before such allegations can be substantiated.'
When asked if the department was aware of additional criminal cases allegedly opened at the Kuyuls River police station over the weekend, WCED replied: 'We are not aware of any cases opened over the weekend.'
The allegations remain disputed while police investigations continue, and parents demand an independent review of the school's disciplinary practices.