I am responding to the article titled “Rustenburg Girls’ Junior admission policy under fire” published on the Cape Times front page on November 14.
Previously the Cape Times also reported on a case of discrimination and unfair treatment arbitrated by the CCMA brought by the said black teacher, Ms Nozipho Mthembu, who happened to be the first working at the school since democracy, 24 years ago.
What concerns me is the level of discrimination that is imposed on black people, especially the previously and currently disadvantaged demographic at the, so-called, prestigious school.
It appears discrimination, whether motivated by racism or by privilege-slanted school policy, is an accepted culture at the school.
The reason I say this is because of the response by the admissions officer to the generous US couple who would like to fund an entire 12 years of study to the underprivileged Linah.
The concerns raised by the officer of a lack of support in the management of homework, ability to contract reliable transport and participation in events after school, are the definition of under privileged-ness in Cape Town and South Africa.
On this basis, she appears to be rejecting the application before it is even submitted. To me, this is discrimination based on Linah’s “lack of privilege”.
Unfortunately, lack of privilege in this country has a colour and that colour is black. Therefore, it is discrimination based on race. Granted, it may not be a blanket discrimination by race but directed at gross under privilege. This is sad.
One of my biggest fears is sending my child to a school where he will experience this kind of subtle discrimination, disguised as a concern for the child.
This concern is not seen for what it really is. A hedge of protection around privilege; and privilege in this country has a colour, and that colour is white.