School rugby match halted over alleged racial slur
· The South African
Another unsavoury incident played out during a school boy rugby match in Cape Town this past weekend when a game between Fairmont High School (Durbanville) and The Settlers High School (Bellville) was abruptly called off by the referee due to an alleged racial incident.
According to reports, a player from one school directed the “k-word” racial slur at an opposing player.
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The match referee overheard the slur, immediately halted play, and abandoned the game. A social media video captured the referee stating, “There was a k-word going on here, and I won’t tolerate it”.
Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said the incident is being looked into.
“The matter is currently under investigation. The WCED will provide any necessary support to those involved, including counselling services where required. Both schools are giving the matter the appropriate attention and are following the necessary processes.
“We respectfully request that the schools be afforded the opportunity to conduct their investigations, without interference or disruption. As part of the investigation, available video footage is being reviewed and monitored.”
Both schools released similar statements after the rugby match was called off
“Dear Fairmont and Settlers Learners, Parents and Guardians.
“We are aware of the unfortunate incident that occurred during the rugby interschools match today,” Fairmont School posted to Facebook.
“Please be assured that the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness and will be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the school’s policies, applicable legislation, and due process.
“We respectfully appeal to all members of our school communities to refrain from sharing or commenting on unverified information, including content on social media, as this may escalate an already sensitive situation and compromise the integrity of the investigation. Please be aware that you can be held legally liable for anything posted on social media as per legislation.
“We kindly ask for your patience and cooperation while the necessary processes are followed. We remain committed to ensuring that the matter is addressed fairly, objectively, and in the best interests of all learners involved.
“We thank you for your understanding, support, and commitment to maintaining the values of respect, dignity, and sportsmanship that both our schools uphold.“
From The Settlers High School
“Dear Parents, Guardians, and Learners,
“We are aware of the unfortunate incident that occurred during today’s rugby interschools match.
“The School Governing Body (SGB) and School Management Team view this matter in an extremely serious light. Please be assured that it is being thoroughly investigated in strict accordance with school policies, applicable legislation, and due process.
“We respectfully appeal to our entire school community to refrain from sharing, commenting on, or spreading unverified information – particularly on social media – as this can escalate a sensitive situation and compromise the integrity of the investigation. Please remember that individuals can be held legally liable for content posted or shared online under South African law.
“We ask for your patience and cooperation as the necessary processes unfold. We remain fully committed to handling this matter fairly and objectively.
“Thank you for your ongoing support and for upholding the core values of respect, dignity, and sportsmanship that define The Settlers High School.“
This latest incident comes on the same weekend that there was another nasty incident when a sideline brawl broke out during a 1st XV schoolboy rugby match, reportedly between EG Jansen players and Menlopark old boys.