Social Media account allegedly impersonated and a fake one created to cause harm

Statement by Bronagh Hammond: Director of Communication, Western Cape Education

The WCED has been made aware of very disturbing social media accounts that contain racist and offensive commentary.

The accounts have been linked to a 15 year old learner from Table View High School, and another in the name of the school.

The WCED has engaged with the school and has confirmed that the learner’s account has allegedly been impersonated. The parents have submitted the learner’s phone to SAPS and have opened a case of “Defamation of Character.” Arrangements are being made with a digital forensics company to get the content removed.

The school has instructed a lawyer to take up the issue with Tik Tok with the view of getting the fake account removed.

The content is extremely offensive and unacceptable.

It is concerning that “someone” has allegedly impersonated an account of a child, and impersonated an account of the school which never existed, with the intention to maliciously sow seeds of division, hatred and racism, and cause harm to a minor and the integrity of this school.

It is unacceptable that people are intentionally and maliciously wanting to stir unrest and racial tension.

We will continue to engage with the school and SAPS.

The WCED has released this information to enable accurate reporting on the matter.