It has been a rollercoaster week for the pupils and masters of Parktown Boys' High School in Joburg. Revelations of an initiation practice in the school's hostel that was characterised by thuggery and assault have now, albeit temporarily, claimed one teacher and 12 matric boys.
The unspoken victim has been Pene Kimber's son, who became the face not just of this initiation but of all initiations at all boys' schools across the city, and indeed the country, as the revelations sparked an unprecedented public display of anger and vitriol, both good and bad.
What has become clear is that initiation is continuing despite being explicitly outlawed by at least two separate pieces of national legislation.
What is also beyond question is that these practices are shrouded in a terrible silence. Parents are scared of speaking out, mostly because of the potential harm to their sons, but also because they run the risk of being shunned by the broader school community.
Pene Kimber found this out this week in no uncertain terms. Far from being demonised, we should lionise her. We should shout her name from the rooftops in the hope that more parents will pierce this veil of silence.
The truth, despite what supporters of initiation might claim, is that there is no basis now or in the dark mists of time for this practice.
Not all schools do it; in fact the best schools don't. This is the harsh reality that Parktown Boys' High and all the others that still allow this practice have to face up to.
These justifiably proud and successful schools across our country pride themselves on turning out men of honour and leaders of society.
The first lesson of leadership is to protect the weak against the ravages of bullies.
The second is to stand up and take responsibility when things go awry.
Parktown failed on the first, but has emerged with flying colours on the second.
It is this that the school community must hold fast to as it begins to rebuild anew after this week's incredibly damaging revelations.
We need our schools to be proud, to be competitive and to excel, but this must never be at the expense of those less able to fend for themselves, who, instead of being nurtured, are scarred forever.
There can be no honour in a school that permits that.
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