A school rugby match in Cape Town was abandoned by the referee after a player allegedly directed the highly offensive “k-word” racial slur at an opponent.
The fixture between Fairmont High School in Durbanville and The Settlers High School in Bellville was stopped during the match after the referee reportedly heard the alleged abuse.
A video shared on social media shows the referee explaining his decision to the players, saying: “There was a k-word going on here, and I won’t tolerate it”.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said the incident was being investigated and that support, including counselling, would be made available if necessary.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said: “The matter is currently under investigation. The WCED will provide any necessary support to those involved, including counselling services where required. Both schools are giving the matter the appropriate attention and are following the necessary processes.
“We respectfully request that the schools be afforded the opportunity to conduct their investigations, without interference or disruption. As part of the investigation, available video footage is being reviewed and monitored.”
Both schools issued statements asking their communities not to circulate unverified claims while the investigations continue.
Fairmont High School posted on Facebook: “Dear Fairmont and Settlers Learners, Parents and Guardians.
“We are aware of the unfortunate incident that occurred during the rugby interschools match today,” Fairmont School posted to Facebook.
“Please be assured that the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness and will be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the school’s policies, applicable legislation, and due process.
“We respectfully appeal to all members of our school communities to refrain from sharing or commenting on unverified information, including content on social media, as this may escalate an already sensitive situation and compromise the integrity of the investigation. Please be aware that you can be held legally liable for anything posted on social media as per legislation.
“We kindly ask for your patience and cooperation while the necessary processes are followed. We remain committed to ensuring that the matter is addressed fairly, objectively, and in the best interests of all learners involved.
“We thank you for your understanding, support, and commitment to maintaining the values of respect, dignity, and sportsmanship that both our schools uphold.“
The Settlers High School also addressed parents, guardians and pupils.
“Dear Parents, Guardians, and Learners,
“We are aware of the unfortunate incident that occurred during today’s rugby interschools match.
“The School Governing Body (SGB) and School Management Team view this matter in an extremely serious light. Please be assured that it is being thoroughly investigated in strict accordance with school policies, applicable legislation, and due process.
“We respectfully appeal to our entire school community to refrain from sharing, commenting on, or spreading unverified information – particularly on social media – as this can escalate a sensitive situation and compromise the integrity of the investigation. Please remember that individuals can be held legally liable for content posted or shared online under South African law.
“We ask for your patience and cooperation as the necessary processes unfold. We remain fully committed to handling this matter fairly and objectively.
“Thank you for your ongoing support and for upholding the core values of respect, dignity, and sportsmanship that define The Settlers High School.“
The alleged incident occurred on the same weekend as another reported confrontation involving school rugby.
A sideline brawl broke out during a 1st XV schoolboy rugby match, reportedly involving EG Jansen players and Menlopark old boys.
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