Upington teacher suspended over ‘blackface’ incident

A DUINEVELD High School teacher who sparked outrage after a video surfaced of him at an apparent team-building event wearing a curly wig and with his face painted black has been placed on precautionary suspension.

The incident follows an unrelated matter in which a pupil from the same Upington school repeatedly used K-bombs in a TikTok video in September 2024.

The Northern Cape MEC for Education, Abraham Vosloo, who met with the school principal and school governing body (SGB) on Wednesday, announced that the precautionary suspension of the teacher would come into immediate effect to protect the integrity of the investigation.

“It will ensure that it is conducted without bias or interference. Whether the incident was unintentional or not … a non-racial society begins in the classroom and requires the active participation of every one of us,” said Vosloo.

He said that the head of labour relations in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Aone Leboko, would lead the inquiry.

“We call on all staff members and learners at Duineveld High School to co-operate with the investigator to ensure that all facts are uncovered and justice is served. Upon conclusion of the investigation, a comprehensive report will be submitted to the acting district director. A final decision will be made once the details and findings are properly considered.” 

Vosloo reiterated that the department did not tolerate any form of racial discrimination.

“It is deeply regrettable that we once again find ourselves addressing the issue of racism in our schools, nearly a year since a similar incident confronted us at Duineveld High School.

“The latest ‘blackface’ incident has triggered widespread outrage from the public, political organisations and civil society. Most concerning is the deep division that this has caused within the broader Upington community. It is our collective responsibility, as educators, parents, learners and citizens, to confront racism wherever it appears and to ensure that our schools remain spaces of dignity, respect and equality.”

Vosloo emphasised that racism in schools had “far-reaching and harmful consequences”.

“It undermines the psychological well-being of pupils, often leaving them feeling isolated, devalued or unsafe. It also disrupts the learning environment and affects academic performance. If left unresolved, racism erodes the core values of the education system, damages the credibility of educators and risks fostering intolerance and prejudice in future generations.”

Both the school governing body (SGB) chairperson, Phillip Nagel, and the provincial secretary of the Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysunie (South African Teachers Union), Henk Brand, who is representing the implicated teacher, said they would co-operate with the investigation.

Racism row sparks calls for zero tolerance

The executive mayor of the Dawid Kruiper Municipality, David Kazi, urged that the school be closed as a show of “zero tolerance for racist behaviour”.

He added that the “blackface” incident had left pupils of colour feeling “degraded, disrespected and unwelcome” at a school that was supposed to be a sanctuary.

Kazi stressed that racism had to be eradicated from educational institutions and communities.

“We called for an extensive investigation into the incident. Those found guilty should face severe disciplinary and legal consequences,” he said.

EFF provincial chairperson Shadrack Tlhaole said Duineveld High School should undergo “anti-racism” education.

He said the incident evoked painful memories of “dehumanisation and minstrel caricatures”.

“Appropriate disciplinary measures must be taken in line with departmental policy. The racist ‘blackface’ history and symbolism are derogatory and perpetuate oppressive stereotypes. A public apology must be made to the affected pupils, parents and community members,” said Tlhaole.

FF+ warns against a ‘witch-hunt’

FF+ provincial leader Dr Wynand Boshoff described the educator in question as a “compassionate and popular” teacher.

He noted that during an oversight visit to the school last year, the portfolio committee on basic education chairperson, Joy Maimela, criticised Upington’s Afrikaans high schools for allegedly having too few black learners.

“She formed her opinion without considering the demographic composition of the area. It is no secret that the ANC is targeting high schools in Upington.

“The FF+ insists that the investigation should be fair and should not turn into a witch-hunt aimed at proving racism in a bid to justify the disruption,” Boshoff added.

The incident has ignited heated debate and deepened divisions within the Upington community.