Parents of Michaelhouse, St John's boys involved in racial spat agree to mediation process

An independent investigation's report into an alleged racial incident during the annual sporting derby day between two of South Africa's most prestigious private schools, Michaelhouse and St John's, has "strongly" recommended that a mediation process between the two boys be followed.

The event, which was to take place on the last weekend of May, was abruptly cancelled a Michaelhouse first-team hockey player was alleged to have used an "egregious" racial slur against a St John's College opponent.

Both schools agreed at the time that it wouldn't have been appropriate for further matches to continue.

The Heads of the institutions as well as their council chairpersons considered the findings and recommendations, mutually agreeing with the respective boys and parents to commit to mediation.

READ | St John's, Michaelhouse derby day cancelled after alleged racial slur during hockey match

In a statement to its school community, St John's Head Stuart West and council chair Thulani Khanyile - while emphasising the confidentiality of the report - noted that the concluding finding was that "there is sufficient evidence to corroborate and support the [St John's College student’s] report that a racial slur was said to him. His key assertions are supported and corroborated by the video evidence or the evidence of others. The probabilities therefore support his assertion that a racial slur was said to him."

The findings and recommendations were based on interviews with key witnesses, witness statements, and video footage, but no adversarial cross-questioning took place.

In turn, a joint statement by Michaelhouse's Head and chairperson, Antony Clark and Anthony Hewat, stated that its pupil had denied the allegation from outset and that clear