Roosevelt High School principal defended over ‘Hitler’ comment

Pastor Curt van Heerden’s comments chastising Roosevelt High School principal Cristèl Venter, who likened her actions in shutting down a Matric Dance disaster event to that of Adolf Hitler, have been met with strong resistance from the public.

The Johannesburg school has come under fire after Venter’s viral open letter condemning a handful of Grade 12 learners for underage drinking, drug use, and a firearm incident at the event, which took place at Avianto Hotel in Muldersdrift.

ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL: PRINCIPAL QUESTIONED OVER ‘HITLER COMPARISON’

In a Facebook post, Pastor Curt van Heerden called for Roosevelt High School to refund ticket sales after principal Cristèl Venter shut down the Matric Dance early due to allegations of learner misconduct.

Van Heerden, a social media community activist, supported his argument by quoting Avianto Hotel, which claimed that Venter had decided to cut the event short.

The venue also disputed allegations that learners were served alcohol, damaged property or that a firearm incident involved minors. 

He also quoted several parents and learners, who were left disappointed and frustrated at the sequence of events.

The preacher and social media influencer also chastised Venter over a screenshot of her WhatsApp status comparing herself to German dictator Adolf Hitler.

The status, which came after the principal learned of the Matric Dance fiasco, read:

“I am an extremely embarrassed principal, when parents pull firearms at the poor Avianto staff and Grad 12 learners pitch up drink as can be and vomit all over the bathroom

“Stick a fork in me, I am done. This will be the last one. Class of 2026, can you be any bigger of a disappointment? Your marks are horrendous, and then you can’t even behave.

Venter added the hashtag “#Hitlerloading”

Curt van Heerden claimed that the hashtag hinted at racial undertones.

He asked: “Why would the principal of Roosevelt High School – who is white – put this on her status? What was she trying to say?”

PUBLIC DEFENDS PRINCIPAL

Curt van Heerden’s insinuation was met with opposition from many of his followers, who disagreed with his sentiment in the comment section. 

Here’s what a few had to say…

Angelo Major: The hashtag was not intended to be racist. In my opinion, she was saying she would need to be ruthless in her actions, like Hitler was in his actions, in order to take control of the sh!t show that was going on. While the reference to Hitler is completely inappropriate, let’s not make this about a white woman being racist. This is about kids getting out of hand and the unfortunate reality that the consequences affected everyone”

Maxine Cero Louw: “I stand with the principal. Not everything has to be an issue. Things should not be taken out of context. Great job, principal”

Estelle Kriek Venter: “Why do you stand up for those children? This is why they behave so badly: no accountability. That woman teaches them a life lesson about consequences. Stop vilifying her”.

WHAT HAPPENED AT ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL’S MATRIC DANCE?

In a lengthy open letter posted on the school’s official Facebook page last week, Roosevelt High School principal Cristèl Venter expressed her shock and disappointment at the behaviour of some learners who attended the Matric Dance at the Avianto Hotel in Muldersdrift.

Venter had initially skipped the event due to illness, but had been called in to intervene after things took a turn for the worse.

Venter revealed that learners had arrived under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and that one particular entourage had threatened staff with firearms during their rowdy procession and reckless driving into the venue. Intoxicated learners reportedly became violently ill, vomiting all over the five-star venue.

The principal decided to cut short the Matric Dance in a bid to de-escalate the deteriorating situation, but was met with contempt and verbal abuse from parents, who angrily confronted school staff.

Venter vowed to launch an investigation into the incident and hold a disciplinary hearing for those involved. 

A few days later, podcaster Penuel Mlotshwa addressed the school learners, urging them to exercise responsibility and accountability.

When approached for comment, principal Cristèl Venter stated that she was not authorised to speak to the media.