Are South Africa's Elite Schools Failing at Inclusivity? Eusebius McKaiser Show Gives Answers

On a recent episode of the Eusebius McKaiser Show podcast, a topic that is dear to this cause was discussed at length.

The issue of inclusivity in South Africa’s private schools is one that has been raised many times over the last couple of years. It garnered momentum with the uproar over black female students not allowed to wear their hair in the natural afro at Pretoria College High School.

It was so heartening to hear Eusebius McKaiser bring in two alumni of some of the affected private schools to have this conversation and shed light on different sides of the argument and profer ways forward.

For the conversation, Mr Eusebius had a former head boy of St. John’s College and another ex-student, now a PhD holder in Education, Open Policy and Social Enterprise and who is currently writing a book on the negative influence and some of the negative cultures that persist in the so called “elite schools.”

We’ve heard stories about schools like St. John College where allegations of racist abuse against the teachers caused a media outcry last year. Also, questions of sexual abuse have come to the surface in various places.

Another issue highlighted is that of religious affiliation and religious expression with a reference to JP girls’ high schools where students were reportedly punished because of their failure to formally ask permission to wear hijabs. Students also in Bogani Schools talked about a recent story just a couple of days ago about students who were forced out after given an ultimatum which is one of religious purposes or leave the school.

Eusebius and his guests transversed the subjects of prejudice, bias, discrimination and the lack of inclusivity in South Africa’s private schools which has continued from when they were wide-eyed teenagers themselves to this present time.

Listen to the podcast here and tell me what you think about the sentiment and analysis given. Also, do you have a related experience? Please share your experience with me (you can be anonymous if you desire). You may share here in the comment section or on any of Teen Tate’s social media platforms.