The old South African flag was reportedly on display in a Bloemfontein primary school, as well as a picture of Julius Malema alongside that of a monkey. (Gallo)
In a grade seven classroom at the Wilgehof Primary School in Bloemfontein, the old South African flag was reportedly on display, as well as a picture of expelled ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema alongside that of a monkey.
Free State education minister Tate Makgoe on Thursday condemned racism at schools in the province. "The department will not tolerate any racist behaviour at schools, and those found guilty will be dealt with according to the law," he said.
Malema, however, was unphased by the picture. "They can do that with me, displaying me next to the monkeys, it's OK," the Sowetan on Thursday quoted him as saying.
"Nothing shocks me. Our people are subjected to harsh realities of racism everyday. As for me, once you display a racist attitude, I don't waste time, I deal with it right away because I know that that is how they are brought up."
The history and life orientation teacher allegedly responsible for the display and for making racist remarks, as well as the principal, had been suspended.
Investigation
Makgoe said a decision on their futures at the school would be made pending an investigation.
He said the school was expected to uphold the values and principles enshrined in the Constitution.
He acknowledged that racism was at times hard to prove because it happened in subtle ways.
"We need tangible evidence before the department can investigate."
Makgoe encouraged parents, pupils, and teachers to report any racism at schools.
The department said a task team had been formed to investigate another alleged racism case at another Free State school. – Sapa