Outrage Erupts Over ‘Blackface’ Incident at Duineveld High School in Upington
Evident Makatwane 
Image Credit: Parliamentofrsa
A vivid display of racial insensitivity has triggered widespread condemnation, as a teacher at Duineveld High School in Upington, Northern Cape, was placed on precautionary suspension following a “blackface” incident that surfaced on social media.
What Happened?
At a school event last week, an educator appeared in a video sporting black face paint and a curly wig an act widely recognized as racist and deeply offensive. The disturbing footage quickly circulated online, igniting public outrage. This incident follows a similarly troubling episode in September last year when a learner from the same school used racial slurs on a live TikTok chat.
Powerful Official Response
Ms Joy Maimela, Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, expressed her horror. “I am utterly shocked that an educator would partake in an incident that clearly has been identified as racist behaviour,” she said, noting that the school had previously been flagged for exclusionary measures. During an oversight visit in October, the committee highlighted that all school documentation was in Afrikaans, a practice that marginalizes non-Afrikaans-speaking families
Suspension and Investigation Underway
Northern Cape MEC for Education, Abraham Vosloo, promptly met with the school principal and governing body, placing the teacher on precautionary suspension to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation. The probe will be led by Aone Leboko, head of labour relations for the John Taolo Gaetsewe District. Upon completion, a detailed report will inform the final decision.
Vosloo emphasized the broader social impact: “Whether the incident was unintentional or not … a non-racial society begins in the classroom.” He warned against the harmful effects of racism on school morale, learners’ psychological well-being, and academic performance.
Community Outcry and Calls for Action
The fallout has not been limited to official channels. The Freedom Front Plus has called for a fair investigation, voicing concern that proceedings must avoid becoming a politicised witch hunt.
Meanwhile, the EFF’s Northern Cape chapter has demanded anti-racism training at the school. Provincial chairperson Shadrack Tlhaole described the blackface act as a painful symbol of historical dehumanization, calling for disciplinary action and a public apology.
Dawid Kruiper Municipality’s Executive Mayor, David Kazi, went further calling for the school to be closed as a demonstration of zero tolerance toward racism. He lamented the incident’s impact on learners of color, saying many felt “degraded, disrespected and unwelcome.
This incident is not isolated. During the committee’s 2024 visit, exclusionary policies such as language barriers were noted, reinforcing systemic inequities in the school environment. Maimela pointed out that social cohesion initiatives aimed at learners may now need to extend to the staff as well.
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