Complaints
Tracy-Lynn Ruiters|Published
More parents have come forward with allegations of learner intimidation, humiliation and emotional distress at Soneike High School in Kuils River, as the School Governing Body (SGB) defended its disciplinary procedures amid ongoing police investigations.
The latest complaints include allegations that learners are being unfairly targeted over uniform regulations, grooming policies and disciplinary matters, with parents claiming their children's emotional wellbeing and academic performance have suffered.
One mother alleged that her teenage son had changed dramatically since enrolling at the school last year, claiming repeated confrontations with educators over his hairstyle and uniform had severely affected his confidence.
Parents allege intimidation and emotional distress
She said her previously happy child had become withdrawn, struggled academically and frequently cried before attending school.
She claimed the ongoing incidents contributed to severe anxiety, including a panic attack requiring hospital treatment, while her son had also expressed suicidal thoughts.
Another parent alleged that her child had been repeatedly humiliated by educators, including an incident where the learner was incorrectly instructed to attend detention and subsequently missed arranged transport home.
SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed an intimidation case had been registered at Kuils River police station.
"The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and no arrests have been made yet," Twigg said.
Parents describe alleged impact on learners
Police previously confirmed investigations into intimidation and defeating the course of justice, relating to incidents on 13 October and 17 April 2026 respectively.
In a circular addressed to parents and guardians, seen by the Cape Argus, the SGB rejected allegations of unfair treatment and defended its disciplinary procedures.
It cited misconduct including defacing school property, exposing learners to pornographic material, breaching uniform regulations and jumping over school fences.
"In each matter, the SGB followed due process and found the individuals guilty in terms of the school's Code of Conduct," the circular stated.
The governing body also denied allegations of violence against children.
"There was no violence against children. Measures were taken to address ongoing disruptive behaviour and to uphold the school's Code of Conduct for Learners."
PEESA calls for independent scrutiny
However, Vanessa Le Roux, founder of Parents for Equal Education SA (PEESA), rejected the SGB's response, saying parents who had independently raised complaints were now discovering that other families had experienced similar concerns.
"Yes, they (the school) are still denying any wrongdoing, but at this point these people don't know each other. They are shocked because parents thought they are the only people going crazy," Le Roux said.
She further alleged that one learner had been pressured to leave the school after being given an ultimatum to withdraw or face expulsion.
According to Le Roux, the learner's mother subsequently removed her child from the school and has since opened a criminal case.
"So, they can deny all they want to, the proof is there," she said.
WCED spokesperson Millicent Merton previously confirmed that an educator had been sanctioned following disciplinary proceedings.
She disputed allegations of learner victimisation, saying previous complaints reportedly stemmed from dissatisfaction with disciplinary outcomes.
Merton also confirmed that allegations of sexual assault involving two learners were under investigation and that support measures were being implemented.
Responding to the latest allegations, the WCED said it was engaging with the school and would investigate the complaints raised by parents.
"The WCED is engaging with the school and will investigate the claims made. The facts need to be established before such allegations can be substantiated," the department said.
Asked whether it was aware of additional criminal cases reportedly opened at Kuils River police station over the weekend, the WCED responded: "We are not aware of any cases having been opened over the weekend."
The allegations remain disputed, while police investigations continue and parents demand independent scrutiny of the school's disciplinary practices.