More teachers' heads roll at 'racist' primary

Investigations into allegations of racism at a Bloemfontein school have led to the suspension of a second teacher and of the principal.

Wilgehof Primary School's Grade 6 and 7 social science teacher Lenard MacKay was suspended on Wednesday after it was alleged that he used the K-word in front of black pupils.

Free State education department spokesman Howard Ndaba yesterday confirmed the suspension of principal Fanie Roeloffze, and of a maths and science teacher.

"The principal [had to] be removed from the school to enable the investigation to [proceed]."

Ndaba said the maths and science teacher was accused of assaulting a pupil on Tuesday.

"The child was [allegedly] beaten by the said teacher until he bled," Ndaba said.

Craig Thiem - the white father of two pupils at the school - complained to the provincial education department and to the Human Rights Commission after being told that teachers used racist language and displayed the old South African flag on a classroom wall .

The Free State manager of the Human Rights Commission, Buang Jones, yesterday said other pupils had corroborated the allegation of racism.

"Those I interviewed said they have been called names like bobbejaan ( baboon), ge mors ( rubbish), prostitutes, hooligans, a** holes . the list is endless ."

But some pupils said MacKay had shown them kindness, even providing them with financial assistance for school excursions.

MacKay said he would not comment until he had consulted his lawyer, which he intends doing today.