Midrand School Expels Student Over Dreadlocks; Education Department Deems School's Operations Illegal

A recent incident involving the expulsion of a student from Crowthorne Christian Academy in Midrand due to her dreadlocks has drawn attention to the school's practices, resulting in the Gauteng Department of Education declaring the institution's operations as illegal.

The situation escalated when a video emerged on social media, capturing an altercation between the mother of a 13-year-old girl and a school official. The incident revolved around the school's new hair policy, which the institution claimed banned hair extensions. However, the student's mother contended that her daughter's dreadlocks were natural and not extensions.

In the video footage, the mother engaged in a heated conversation with a man, later identified as the principal's husband, who seemed intent on removing the student from the classroom. The exchange grew tense as the man forcefully pushed both the student and her parent out of the classroom.

Subsequent to the incident, Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, a police spokesperson, confirmed the registration of a case of common assault.

Assault case opened at Midrand police station after an adult male is seen on video footage pushing a minor. It is alleged that the child violated the school's code of conduct by having extentions/dreadlocks on her head at Crowthorne Christian School in Midrand JHB. pic.twitter.com/72xyXqe9gs

— CrimeInSA (@sa_crime) August 15, 2023

Gauteng Department of Education's spokesperson, Steve Mabona, expressed the department's awareness of the situation. He disclosed that the school in question was operating illegally and emphasized that the department had extended alternative schooling and counseling options to the student. Mabona underlined the department's commitment to assisting unregistered institutions in navigating the registration process, thereby ensuring compliance.

The altercations were shared on social media by the student's sibling, who also divulged that the man involved in the incident was the principal's husband. The sibling conveyed that Principal Mrs. Tanya Booysen had insisted the student would only be readmitted if her dreadlocks were shaved off, a stance criticized by the student's family.

The incident raises concerns about the implementation of school policies, particularly those pertaining to appearance, and highlights the importance of compliance with legal educational requirements. As investigations continue, it is evident that addressing issues such as these requires collaboration between schools and educational authorities to ensure an inclusive and respectful learning environment.

Source: Byline: Noxolo Sibiya, SowetanLive