The management of Soneike High insists that the application of disciplinary measures does not constitute harassment, despite claims that students were victims of bullying and behavioral violations, which were reported by the Cape Argus last week.
Principal Ronel Baker, Deputy Principal Leon Hanslo, and the school coach, identified as Coach Turner, appeared before the Cape Argus to address parental complaints and justify the school's disciplinary rules.
These statements followed criminal complaints filed at the Kuils River SAPS police station and assertions from several parents that their children had been humiliated, unfairly targeted, and emotionally harmed due to interactions with school staff.
Management described the disciplinary process
The school administration emphasized that disciplinary hearings were not arbitrary but were based on investigations into alleged breaches of the school's Code of Conduct.
Coach Turner explained that minor infractions are handled by teachers, while more serious or repeated violations may be referred to the School Governing Body (SGB).
She stated that parents received notifications, were provided with evidence, and had the opportunity to present their children's cases. Regarding complaints concerning two students, Turner noted that one student was cleared of bullying charges due to insufficient evidence.
Disciplinary action was taken against the other student for alleged insubordination, defiance, and repeated uniform violations. According to Turner, this student was required to complete four Friday detentions and apologize, but failed to comply with the sanctions.
The school provided details of individual disciplinary cases
The school also elaborated on another disciplinary matter involving the discovery of offensive graffiti near the deputy principal's office. The administration stated that a handwriting expert was involved in the investigation, after which the student appeared before the SGB.
School officials asserted that the investigation results confirmed the necessity of disciplinary action, although this matter was subsequently appealed.
In response to accusations of unfair targeting of students over hairstyles and uniforms, management stated that the school's appearance requirements apply to everyone. Baker explained that parents regularly received reminders about dress code requirements and had avenues to resolve issues of non-compliance. She added that the school even assisted financially struggling families by providing clothing and paying for haircuts. Baker stated: 'We paid for these boys' haircuts.'
Dispute over detention and transport
Management also addressed a parent's complaint that her child missed scheduled transport following a detention incident. Turner refuted the parent's version, asserting that the student behaved disrespectfully during the detention and subsequently left the premises. She insisted that she did not order the student to walk home but contacted the parent after learning of the incident.
Throughout the meeting, the school management highlighted academic, sporting, and extracurricular achievements. However, Hanslo acknowledged that mistakes happen but maintained that discipline remains central to the school's success. He stated: 'Mistakes will be made along the way. That doesn't mean they can't be fixed, but this is still a school of excellence,' and added: 'But discipline will never be sacrificed at Soneike High School.'
The school's response came after a WCED representative, Millicent Merton, confirmed that one teacher had previously been disciplined following a disciplinary hearing. WCED also confirmed it is working with the school and investigating recent allegations, emphasizing that facts must be established before complaints can be substantiated. Meanwhile, SAPS had previously confirmed investigations into intimidation and obstruction of justice.