Brackenfell High School EFF

Image via: Adobe Stock

Court case between EFF and Brackenfell High School postponed

Brackenfell High School approached the court for an interdict application to prevent further protests by the EFF outside the school.

Brackenfell High School EFF

Image via: Adobe Stock

The court case between the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Brackenfell High School has been postponed to next month. According to Law Firm Christie Fourie Inc, the school applied for an urgent interdict to prevent the party from holding demonstrations outside the school. This comes after violent clashes broke out between the fighters and parents just a few days ago. 

The clashes stem from a party that was allegedly organised by parents of matric pupils. The problem was not so much the party but the fact that people of colour seemed to be excluded. The school has since distanced itself from the event saying it was a private function organised without the school’s involvement. 

EFF, BRACKENFELL HIGH SCHOOL MATTER POSTPONED 

According to the law firm, the Cape Town High Court postponed the matter to 2 December 2020. When The South African reached out to EFF spokesperson Vuyani Pambo for further comment, he did not respond.  

Meanwhile, the man accused of discharging a firearm during the clashes outside Brackenfell High School was released on a warning. 

“He appeared on 11 November 2020 at the Kuilsriver Magistrate’s Court. He is charged with discharging a firearm in a public place,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Eric Ntabazalila. 

“His case has been postponed to 25 January 2021. He is out on [a] warning,” added Ntabazalila. 

SCHOOL ASKS PARENTS TO REMAIN CALM 

In a statement addressed to parents and guardians, Brackenfell High School asked them to remain calm and not to exercise violence following the recent developments.  

Chairperson of the Governing Body Dr Guillaume Smit said the school unequivocally condemns and distances itself from the incidence of violence that transpired. 

“For reasons set out in our previous letter dated 8 November 2020, the school cannot take responsibility for the private function organised without the school’s involvement. However, we acknowledge and deeply regret the pain that it caused our learners, especially our learners of colour,” said Smit. 

“We sincerely appeal to our parents, community members as well as people from outside our community, to refrain from involvement in any form of aggression or violence at or around the school premises. We implore you to exercise calmness and discipline as any escalation in violence will only put our learners, your children, in danger and cause them unnecessary anxiety and distract from their examinations,” added Smit. 

As a result of a meeting with concerned parties, conducted in July, the school has already started addressing concerns and putting various measures in place to facilitate diversity.