An independent investigation has found the principal of Pretoria High School for Girls, Phillipa Erasmus, guilty of misconduct related to her handling of racism allegations at the school. The findings were released by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) in late 2024 and have since sparked significant discussion about school governance and disciplinary processes.
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Background of the Case
The controversy began in October 2023 when three learners reported the existence of a “whites-only” WhatsApp group comprising 12 pupils. The group allegedly shared messages with racial undertones, which raised concerns about a culture of racism at Pretoria Girls High. The school’s response to these allegations became the subject of an independent investigation commissioned by the GDE.
Investigation Findings
The investigation, conducted by Mdladlamba Attorneys, revealed that the principal and her deputy mishandled the complaints. Key findings included:
- Failure to Address Complaints Transparently: The principal did not provide clear feedback to the learners who reported the WhatsApp group. Despite repeated inquiries, the complainants were told the investigation was pending, causing frustration and distrust.
- Selective Discipline: The report found evidence of inconsistent disciplinary measures. Some learners involved in bullying were not disciplined, while others faced charges. This selective application of discipline contributed to tensions within the school community.
- Mismanagement of Staff Appointments: The investigation also uncovered that a finance manager was hired without the necessary qualifications, raising concerns about administrative oversight.
- Impact on School Community: The mishandling of the complaints led to a protest by black learners in July 2024, during which further allegations of racial tensions and bullying emerged.
Official Response and Recommendations
Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, publicly released the report and supported its recommendations. The report advised that the principal, deputy principal, and several other staff members face misconduct charges. It also suggested reviewing the role of the School Governing Body chairman due to alleged interference in the investigation.
Controversies and Wider Context
While the investigation found the principal guilty of misconduct, the initial racism allegations against the pupils were dismissed by the school’s disciplinary hearing in August 2024, which ruled the WhatsApp group as a private platform. Additionally, former president Thabo Mbeki and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation reviewed the WhatsApp chats independently and found no evidence of racism or hate speech.
This has led to a complex and politically charged environment, with some commentators describing the misconduct findings as part of a broader power struggle rather than a straightforward disciplinary matter.
Impact on Pretoria Girls High
The case has deeply affected Pretoria Girls High’s reputation and internal dynamics. The school community has experienced significant strain due to the public nature of the allegations and investigations. The Gauteng Department of Education has committed to improving transparency and governance at the school moving forward.
Code of Conduct
The Pretoria Girls High principal’s misconduct ruling highlights the challenges schools face in managing sensitive issues such as racism allegations. It underscores the importance of transparent disciplinary processes, consistent application of rules, and proper administrative oversight. The Gauteng Department of Education continues to monitor the situation to restore trust and stability at one of South Africa’s prominent schools.
