Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News-2013-06-05

The SA Human Right Commission (SAHRC) has begun an investigation into allegations of racism at Wilgehof Primary School. This after some parents in the Bloemfontein school launched a complaint that a male teacher had called some black pupils k*****s.

The Commissions Isaac Mangena says there are also claims that the teacher has hung up the old South African flag as well as a picture of expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema alongside that of a monkey on the classroom wall

The Free State's basic education department spokesman Howard Ndaba said members of the department visited the school upon receiving the complaint. “As the department, we have launched an internal investigation, but the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is also investigating the matter.

“We urge the school, parents, the school’s governing body and pupils to cooperate with the investigators to make sure that these allegations are dealt with accordingly,” said Ndaba.

Ndaba said it was too early to reveal when investigators would finish their task.

Meanwhile Wilgehof Primary School principal Fanie Roeloffze refused to comment, referring all questions to Ndaba.

Mangena indicated that they have opened a file to investigate charges of racism and inequality. "We will be speaking to the respondents, the school, the principal and teachers," he said.