Education MEC apologises for suspension of Schweizer-Reneke teacher over false racism allegations

26 Mar

Cebelihle Bhengu

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The North West Department of Education has apologised to a Laerskool Schweizer-Reneke teacher it suspended over false racism allegations in 2019. (Picture: iStock/ Itakdalee)

The Department of Education in the North West has apologised for the unlawful suspension of a Laerskool Schweizer-Reneke teacher over false racism allegations.

In 2019, the department suspended Elana Barkhuizen after a photo she took of four black and 18 white pupils sitting at separate tables in a classroom sparked protests and allegations of racial segregation at the school.

In a letter dated 22 March, Education MEC Viola Motsumi apologised to the teacher on behalf of the department and former MEC Wendy Matsemela for the unlawful suspension without detailing reasons and denying her the opportunity to state her case.

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