What was meant to be a peaceful picket outside Brackenfell High School turned violent on Monday when EFF supporters clashed with parents standing guard at the school.
A 39-year-old man was arrested for public violence after allegedly firing a shot in the air during the stand-off.
The party wants the Western Cape Education Department to suspend the principal and two teachers who they allege were involved organising a matric ball for white pupils only.
The Department and the school however have stated that it was a private event that had nothing to do with the school.
On Monday morning, things got heated when parents told EFF members that they were disturbing the pupils who were writing exams.
The group of about 60 EFF supporters stood their ground, saying they were there to address racism at the school.
The crowd of about 200 parents then started shoving the protesters, while police tried to separate the groups.
Chaos then erupted when a member of the EFF had his red beret snatched off his head, and the punches started flying.
During the ensuing street battle, one man could be seen hitting a female EFF supporter with a baseball bat, while an old wit ou threw stones at the retreating protesters.
The violent confrontation forced the police to use stun grenades to disperse the crowds.
Western Cape EFF chairperson Melikhaya Xego said: “We are not happy about what’s happening here today.
"Our intention was not to cause any chaos but to peacefully protest against the racism at this school.
"We stand against racism as the EFF, and we have proof that the function was a racist act.”
One of the parents said there is no racism at the school: “It was just a private function which anyone could have organised if they wanted to.”
And the chairperson of the school governing body said in a statement said: “It is actually wrong to refer to the function as a matric farewell. This leaves the impression that it was an official function of Brackenfell High School, and it was not.”
MEC Debbie Schäfer said she was shocked by the violence that occurred.
“I am deeply disturbed by the violent clashes that occurred outside Brackenfell High School this morning, over a private matric celebration organised by some parents of learners who attend the school," she said.
"I strongly condemn both the actions of the EFF members and those parents outside the school, who used violence to address their concerns.”
She pointed out that pupils are writing exams and that pickets are disruptive.
The MEC added that no action will be taken against the teachers.
“The WCED cannot and will not take action against educators who were invited as guests and attended a private event, which they did not organise, and had no prior knowledge of the attendees.
"We are also not in the business of prescribing who people must invite to private events outside of school property.”
The EFF also condemned the violence and said they will advise on their next course of action.
The police’s Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana confirmed the arrest of a 39-year-old suspect and a case of public violence was opened.
"People dispersed with no reports of violence, the area is... quiet,” she added.