Lesufi to visit prestigious Pretoria school amid racism allegations

Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi is expected to pay a visit to Cornwall Hill College in Centurion, Pretoria, on Monday, 31 May 2021. The school found itself at the centre of racism allegations in the previous week – mainly black parents at the school have called for the removal of its principal and chairman of the board for failing to commit to a pro-transformation agenda.

On Wednesday, angry Cornwall Hill College parents protested at the school, prompting a response from Principal Leon Kunneke, who’d been accused of allowing racism to proper at the posh institution.

“Some of the parents and learners (past and present) have made allegations of racism against the said school, while others have embarked on a peaceful protest to voice out their displeasure at the alleged racism”

Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona

Parents at the school fork out a pretty penny – a combined R150 000 a year both for tuition and boarding. In 2020, they had penned a 53-page petition, in which they shared their own testimonials regarding the level of racism experienced at the school. They’d expected Kunneke to address their concerns, however, they are not impressed with the lack of progress made so far.

Both past and current students have complained about how they have been called racial slurs, teased about their hair and were even separated according to race, in lines outside the school tuck-shop.

Cornwall Hill College principal on racism claims

In a letter posted on Cornwall Hill College’s Twitter account, Kunneke insisted that there are relevant policies and procedures in place, to address the parents’ concerns at the school.

“You may be aware that today, at our annual fundraising golf day held at the Pretoria Country Club there was some peaceful protest action around diversity and transformation at our school. We acknowledge the parent’s pleas and recognise the importance of active and inclusive engagement on this critical issue,” said Kunneke at the time.

He said that Cornwall Hill College’s Diversity and Transformation Committee, which was established in 2020, has held a number of meetings and the board of directors have unequivocally committed to transformation.

Kunneke added that some of the issues that have been and continue being attended to, included the school’s hair and anti-discrimination policies, diversity training for staff and management and changes to the board structure to enhance diversity.