In a statement, the school said it was aware of the matter. The statement said: "In view of the fact that the posts seem to have originated from within the Grade 8 group and have affected the grade significantly, all Grade 8s must be at school Friday from 9am to 10.30am; they are to meet in the Noel Taylor Hall to be addressed by staff, inhouse counsellors and counsellors from outside of the school. "They will be free to leave at the end of this session but are welcome to stay longer should they wish to receive further counselling." Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the school was investigating the source of the posts. "It does not come from an official school account. It is unclear if the account was hacked or if it did originate from a learner at the school. Learners in the class have also questioned who had created the discriminatory content. The posts came from one source." Hammond said the school held a meeting with Grade 8 pupils yesterday and provided counselling for those who felt affected and traumatised.

"A session was also held with other learners and parents who wanted more information. The school will continue to provide counselling over the next while. "The school has condemned the comments made and has distanced itself from the content." Hammond said if the account was hacked, then the school would need to consider what action could be taken against the perpetrator. If a pupil was involved, disciplinary action would be instituted. "The school does not tolerate any form of discrimination and will proceed with disciplinary action in terms of the code of conduct." South African Human Rights Commission commissioner Andre Gaum said they were concerned. "We are very disturbed by the incident. The school said that it is investigating the incident and the commission will await the outcomes of that investigation," he said.

Source: Cape Times