Queer Gauteng Pupils Claim Matric Dance Discrimination

Several pupils from Hugenote High School in Springs, east of Johannesburg, have come forward to share deeply troubling allegations of discrimination they say they’ve faced because of their sexuality.

The pupils, who are in matric, claim that the school forbids same-sex partners from attending the matric dance, citing “school policy” and religious grounds.

The pupils’ identities have been withheld by MambaOnline for their safety, as some have already allegedly faced repercussions for speaking out or simply for being open about who they are.

One matric learner, who identifies as a lesbian, described how she was denied the chance to take her girlfriend to the recent matric dance, a once-in-a-lifetime event she had been looking forward to for months.

“So, I wanted to take my girlfriend with me to the matric dance. And after chatting to others, I found out that it is not allowed,” she said. “I was devastated. I really wanted to spend my special evening with my special person… It made me feel like I do not have the freedom to love who I want to and that I was being judged.”

Another pupil claimed that the school’s rules explicitly prohibit same-sex partners and that religion is used to justify these restrictions.

“The school has a lot of policies about same-sex relationships,” they explained. “Girls aren’t allowed to bring girls from other schools, and boys can’t go as couples either. They say it stands like that in the Bible. Some students constantly get bullied because they like boys or girls, and the school just wipes it under the rug.”

Barring same-sex couples from attending a matric dance is unconstitutional and illegal under South Africa’s Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act. 

Further allegations of Anti-LGBTIQ+ Discrimination

This pupil further alleged that when they started speaking up about the school’s discriminatory practices on social media, they were called into the office and forced to verbally agree not to speak negatively about the school.

A third pupil recounted a humiliating experience that ultimately drove them to leave the school altogether.

“I was discriminated against in front of my whole grade because I’m gay,” they said. “I was called out for ‘wearing makeup’ even though I wasn’t. When I asked the teacher to prove it, she turned around and walked away. I was embarrassed so much that I physically dropped out of school. They say school is supposed to be our second home, but why do I feel uncomfortable in my own school?”

In addition to the pupils’ experiences, it’s been claimed that a teacher at Hugenote High School was dismissed earlier this year after it was discovered that he is gay and married to a man.

The circumstances surrounding his dismissal remain unclear, but sources allege it was linked to his sexual orientation and marital status, raising further questions about discrimination within the school’s environment.

These accounts paint a disturbing picture of an environment where queer pupils and staff feel unsafe, unseen, and silenced, at odds with the constitutional protections of equality and dignity afforded to all South Africans.

School and Department Respond

When contacted for comment, Hugenote High School principal, Mr JH Moorcroft, emphatically denied the allegations that any learners were barred from bringing same-sex partners to the matric farewell, stating that this was due to a “misinterpretation”.

“We can confirm that no learners were informed that they may not bring a same-sex partner to the matric farewell,” insisted Moorcroft. “In fact, learners who wished to do so were supported. Recognising that some learners who wished to attend with a same-sex partner preferred not to have the spotlight on them for this reason, the school encouraged those who were hesitant to still attend and to do so in groups if that made them feel more comfortable.

He continued: “We believe the concern may stem from a misinterpretation, as all learners were treated equally and supported in their choices. Our school remains committed to fostering an environment where all learners feel respected and valued.”

Moorcroft added that the school upholds “the principles of equality, dignity, and non-discrimination as enshrined in the South African Constitution” and remains committed to fostering an environment where all learners feel respected and valued.

MambaOnline thereafter reached out to the school principal to request some evidence that same-sex couples attended the matric farewell, as referenced in the school’s statement. The school did not respond to this request nor to the other allegations of discrimination against pupils and the dismissed staff member.

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) told MambaOnline that matric dances are “managed by the school and its School Governing Body (SGB)” and that the Department “does not have a policy that suggests that anyone must be discriminated against.” [Editor – It’s deeply disappointing that the department failed to issue an unequivocable condemnation of any school that restricts in any way same-sex couples from attending any event that opposite sex couples are welcome to attend.]

“Accordingly, we have launched necessary investigations into the allegations that a teacher was disciplined based on his sexual orientation and marital status. The outcome thereof will determine action to be taken,” the Department added.

Civil Society Reaction

Responding to the allegations made against the school, Sibonelo Ncanana Trower, from the civil society organisation OUT LGBT Well-being, commended the pupils for their bravery in speaking out.

“Your courage reminds us that visibility and authenticity still come at a cost for many queer learners in South Africa,” said Trower.

He asserted that, “Schools should be places of safety, not judgment. It is deeply concerning that in 2025, young people still have to defend their right to express themselves freely and to celebrate important milestones without fear or prejudice.”

Trower called on the Department of Basic Education and all school governing bodies to take urgent steps to ensure that LGBTIQ+ learners are protected, respected, and affirmed. “This includes clear policies against discrimination, sensitivity training for educators, and inclusive school environments where diversity is celebrated, not policed.”

Trower added that OUT LGBT Well-being “stands firmly with these young people and all learners who continue to demand dignity, equality, and respect, values enshrined in our Constitution.”