Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi wants to review the licence to allow Curro Foundation School in Roodeplaat near Pretoria to operate‚ after an investigation into the school revealed that pupils at the school were being racially segregated.

It emerged in February that some classes at the school were made up of only black pupils while white pupils were grouped together separately. Lesufi instituted an investigation into the allegations after parents signed a petition raising their concerns.

Speaking at a press briefing today‚ Lesufi said the investigation revealed that pupils in Grade R at the school were being racially segregated. He said the school’s management also admitted that pupils were being segregated “as a result of pressure from certain white parents”.

“This is unacceptable‚ discriminatory and contrary to the provisions of Section 9 of the Constitution. It is also in contravention of Section 6 of the Equity Act. By segregating the learners based on their race‚ the school acted in a manner that was discriminatory and as a result violated section 7(c) of the Equality Act‚” said Lesufi.

He said he would meet with the school’s management soon to discuss reviewing its licence.

Earlier‚ the Education Department said Lesufi wanted teachers and management at the private Pretoria school to undergo “diversity training” annually.

The department announced via its social media platforms: “By apologising and correcting the problem‚ the school admits that what transpired was discriminatory and problematic”.

“Diversity training has taken place and recommended annually for all management and educators at the school”.

Lesufi told media today that Gauteng premier David Makhura had given him the go-ahead to establish an inquiry into racism at schools in the province. The inquiry will start in June. He had announced the setting up of a racism inquiry in February following the Curro saga.