I have just arrived at Pretoria High School Girls in South Africa’s capital where students from surrounding universities have gathered outside, some carrying placards.
This one reads in Zulu: “Natural beauty. Leave our sisters alone”:
Black pupils at the school say they are being forced to straighten their natural hair because it is “untidy” and say the school’s policy is racist and discriminatory.
The school has refused to comment.
The groups gathered outside are singing songs from the anti-apartheid struggle and are calling for an end to racism.
Nathi Mthethwa, South Africa’s arts and culture minister, has tweeted in support of students protesting against a school for allegedly insisting black pupils straighten their hair:
Firstly, we support the stance of Pretoria Girls High students to protect their right to have natural hair. #StopRacismAtPretoriaGirlsHigh
Firstly, we support the stance of Pretoria Girls High students to protect their right to have natural hair.#StopRacismAtPretoriaGirlsHigh
Secondly, it is unacceptable to ban students from speaking their African languages at school. #StopRacismAtPretoriaGirlsHigh
Secondly, it is unacceptable to ban students from speaking their African languages at school. #StopRacismAtPretoriaGirlsHigh
Schools should not be used as a platform to discourage students from embracing their African Identity.#StopRacismAtPretoriaGirlsHigh
That hair! Is Power!
It does not cower, it stands tall! Announcing its presence!#StopRacismAtPretoriaGirlsHigh
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