A racial insult was allegedly uttered by a Michaelhouse first-team hockey player against a St John’s College opponent. The event was verified in a statement, and the Michaelhouse player has been suspended.
The annual sporting derby day between two of South Africa’s prestigious private schools, Michaelhouse and St John’s College, has been cancelled after an alleged racial incident during a fixture.
According to a joint statement made by the schools, the incident occurred during a first-team hockey match between the schools on Friday evening, during which a Michaelhouse first-team player allegedly insulted a John’s College opponent with a racist slur.
St John’s College is located in Johannesburg’s Houghton Estate, whereas Michaelhouse, one of the country’s most prestigious schools and the weekend’s hosts, is located in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands.
The statement confirmed the cancellation of the derby day because of the alleged racial slur and that the schools agreed it wasn’t appropriate for the derby day to continue, while the student in question has been suspended.
“There has been an allegation that, towards the end of the First XI Hockey match between St John’s College and Michaelhouse last evening (on Friday), a racist slur was made by a Michaelhouse player to a St John’s player,” the statement said
“Both Michaelhouse and St John’s are united in condemning all forms of racism and discriminatory behaviour and Michaelhouse, in following its procedures, immediately implemented a precautionary suspension in respect of the boy alleged to have made the racial slur, pending a formal disciplinary hearing.
“In these circumstances, the Heads of both schools have agreed that it is not appropriate for the other hockey and rugby matches planned for today, Saturday 28 June (28 May), to take place and we have cancelled our fixtures.”
“It is a matter that’s being investigated by Michaelhouse, who are working closely with St John’s to get to the bottom of it,” Khanyile said.
“Our view with regards to racial discrimination is that we have zero tolerance for that and any manner of prejudice in society.
“Let’s allow the investigation to unfold while the kids are receiving the necessary support.”
The statement is below:
Joint statement by St John’s College and Michaelhouse
Dear Parents
There has been an allegation that, towards the end of the First XI Hockey match between St John’s College and Michaelhouse last evening, a racist slur was made by a Michaelhouse player to a St John’s player.
Both Michaelhouse and St John’s are united in condemning all forms of racism and discriminatory behaviour and Michaelhouse, in following its procedures, immediately implemented a precautionary suspension in respect of the boy alleged to have made the racial slur, pending a formal disciplinary hearing.
In these circumstances, the Heads of both schools have agreed that it is not appropriate for the other hockey and rugby matches planned for today, Saturday 28 June, to take place and we have cancelled our fixtures.
The schools have been and remain committed to working together to ensure their students affirm and respect the dignity of all people.
Antony Clark (Rector Michaelhouse) and Stuart West (Executive Headmaster St John’s College)
In addition, the St John’s College staff have debriefed with the boys last night and this morning and will continue to do so in the days ahead. Staff will ensure that all boys on tour are placed with their parents or safely returned to Johannesburg by designated buses this morning.
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