Tracy-Lynn Ruiters|Published
Soneike High School management insists that enforcing discipline is not harassment following allegations of learner victimisation, intimidation and misconduct, reported by the Cape Argus last week.
Principal Ronel Baker, Deputy Principal Leon Hanslo and the school's life coach, who was identified only as Coach Turner, spoke to the Cape Argus to address complaints raised by parents and defended the school's disciplinary procedures.
This followed criminal complaints lodged at Kuils River SAPS and allegations from several parents that their children had been humiliated, unfairly targeted and emotionally affected by interactions with school staff.
Management outlines disciplinary process
School management maintained that disciplinary hearings were not initiated arbitrarily but followed investigations into alleged violations of the school's Code of Conduct.
Coach Turner explained that minor offences were handled by educators, while more serious or repeated transgressions could be referred to the School Governing Body (SGB).
She said parents were notified, provided with evidence and afforded opportunities to present their children's cases.
Addressing complaints involving two learners, Turner said one had been found not guilty of bullying because there was insufficient evidence.
Another learner, she said, faced disciplinary action for alleged insubordination, defiance and repeated grooming violations.
According to Turner, the learner was instructed to complete four Friday detentions and submit an apology but failed to comply with the sanctions.
School details individual disciplinary cases
The school also detailed a separate disciplinary matter involving offensive graffiti discovered near the deputy principal's office.
Management said a handwriting expert had been consulted during the investigation and that the learner subsequently faced an SGB hearing.
School officials maintained that the findings supported disciplinary action, although the matter was later appealed.
Responding to allegations that learners were being unfairly targeted over hairstyles and uniforms, management said the school's grooming requirements applied to everyone.
Baker explained that parents regularly received reminders about uniform requirements and were given opportunities to address violations.
She said the school had even assisted families experiencing financial difficulties by providing clothing and paying for haircuts.
"We've paid for haircuts for these boys," Baker said.
Dispute over detention and transport
Management also addressed a parent's complaint that her child had missed arranged transport following a detention incident.
Turner disputed the parent's version, claiming the learner had behaved disrespectfully during detention and subsequently left the premises.
She maintained that she had not instructed the learner to walk home and had contacted the parent after discovering what had happened.
Throughout the meeting, school management emphasised its academic, sporting and extracurricular achievements.
Hanslo, however, acknowledged that mistakes could occur but insisted that discipline remained central to the school's success.
"Along the journey, mistakes will be made. Doesn't mean it cannot be fixed, but this is a school of excellence once again," he said. "But discipline will never ever be sacrificed in Soneike High School."
The school's response comes after WCED spokesperson Millicent Merton confirmed that an educator had previously been sanctioned following disciplinary proceedings.
The WCED also confirmed that it was engaging with the school and would investigate the latest allegations, stressing that the facts needed to be established before complaints could be substantiated.
Meanwhile, SAPS previously confirmed investigations into intimidation and defeating the course of justice.