A white teacher at a
Gauteng private school who allegedly threatened pupils with the same
fate that befell American George Floyd has been placed on suspension.
Sonya de Vynck, a life orientation and art teacher at
Pinnacle College Kyalami in Kyalami was suspended on Friday.
This was after she allegedly threatened to re-enact the
moments that led to Floyd, an African-American who died after a white policeman
pressed his knee into his neck while he lay sprawled on the ground in
handcuffs.
In a letter addressed to parents on Friday, Pinnacle
Colleges chief operating officer Christo de Wit said the school was deeply
shocked by the comments made by their teacher.
“As you are aware the teacher has been suspended. The
principal has chosen to take special leave after reflecting on the pace and
manner of the first response to the reports,” De Wit said. He said investigations we still ongoing.
“This has caused significant hurt. We are in the process of
meeting with the students directly involved and commend them for the courage
displayed in these discussions. We have also engaged with the staff,” he said.
During an online class on Thursday, De Vynck allegedly
said: "If you don't hand in your practice drawings when we get back, then
I will give you something to protest about, and maybe sit on your necks.”
In an apology De Vynck made after her remarks, she said she
didn't mean any harm.
"It wasn't my intention and I didn't want to put
someone down who lost their lives while people were watching and being
helpless.
"I never wanted to offend you. I never wanted to
offend Mr Floyd. I would never - I know you need time but just know that I am
not a person like that, I am not a racist person. I would never have done that.
It was a silly thing that popped into my head." Sowetan
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