Parklands College has apologised for the “insensitive nature” of a Grade 7 assignment.
A picture was shared on social media on Monday showing a presentation slide on the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
“Advertisements were placed in newspapers to advertise the slave auction that would be taking place,” the assignment read.
“You will create an advertisement regarding a slave trade auction that will be taking place on Friday, 24 April 1835. You will have 30 minutes to create the advert and have it posted in the assignment link shared on Google class today.
“The person with the best advertisement will get a Cadbury slab of chocolate when we get back to school.
“This is a fun activity and it will not count for marks. Be creative and have some fun. (sic)”
Following the outrage from parents, the school issued an apology and said that the slide has been removed and the teacher has apologised.
Sylvia Steyn, Secondary Faculty Principal, said: “The activity was intended to establish awareness of the slave trade and the manner in which the slaves were treated. However, we acknowledge the activity should have been worded differently.”
A second apology was issued
saying it was “unacceptable”.
Many people took to the school’s Facebook page to share their views.
Dillan Prince wrote: “Saying you acknowledge it doesn’t mean you are fixing it.”
Namhla Manjezi said the project was “disgusting”: “This teacher has opened up the wounds that are about to heal. Such teachers must never be given such apartheid
projects.”