Cape school rugby match abandoned after alleged racial slur

A high school rugby match between Fairmont and The Settlers was abandoned over the weekend after an alleged racial incident, with both schools now investigating what happened.

The referee stopped the fixture after an allegation was made during the match. However, neither Fairmont nor The Settlers has confirmed the full circumstances of the incident, including what was allegedly said or who is believed to have made the remark.

The schools have asked members of the public not to share or comment on a video of the incident online. They warned that discussing or distributing the footage could interfere with, or compromise, the investigation currently under way.

Both institutions have said they are treating the matter seriously and are working to establish the facts before making further comment. At this stage, the details of the alleged racial slur have not been independently confirmed.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said it was aware of the allegations and was supporting the process being carried out by the two schools.

“The WCED has been made aware of the allegations. The matter is being investigated. We will provide any necessary support, including counselling, if required. The matter is receiving the necessary attention from both schools, and we ask that the schools are afforded this opportunity without interference or disruption,” said Hammond.

The department also indicated that counselling could be made available if it was required by those affected by the incident.

The match was abandoned after the alleged incident, but no further details about the fixture, the players involved or any potential disciplinary action have been confirmed by the schools or the education department.

Fairmont and The Settlers have urged the public to allow the investigation to proceed without interference. Their request includes avoiding online speculation, sharing the video or making comments that could influence the process before the allegations have been fully examined.

The schools’ investigations remain ongoing, and no conclusion has yet been announced about what occurred during the match.