Following the outcry over the ‘Stellenbosch Urinator’, four matric pupils in the North West are facing scrutiny after footage was shared of them reportedly doing a Nazi salute whilst a song associated with the German armed forces of World War II was sung.
The incident came about during a karaoke competition at Hoërskool Rustenburg’s break time. According to Sunday Times, a request had been made by some students for a German song to be sung. This is where a student’s rendition of Erika came about – a song associated with WWII and German arms.
Soon after, the salute associated with Nazism and paying homage to “Heil Hitler” was allegedly raised by some of the students, both caught on camera and off. The video footage was then uploaded to TikTok, and went viral, potentially over its controversy.
School authority, Mr. Visser said in a statement that action was taken immediately after the governing body was alerted to the situation and that a disciplinary investigation is underway. The learners have been identified and their parents informed.
Further, the North West Department of Education is set to send its own team to investigate the matter today, 24 May.
Visser added that the governing body is not only concerned about the damage to the reputation of the school, but also over the lack of awareness around social issues that have been brought to light. He further expressed that plans would be implemented to increase awareness about discrimination.
“Discrimination at any level is unacceptable as it infringes on others’ space to grow,” said Visser.
Meanwhile, others are condemning the incident after it began circulating. The students were reportedly prefects and top students which begs the question: how could there have been ignorance around an incident of this nature?
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Picture: Höerskool Rustenberg
