Calls for Roosevelt High School to REFUND Matric Dance tickets

Roosevelt High School continues to face social media backlash amid calls for a refund of Matric Dance ticket sales after principal Cristèl Venter shut down the event early last week.

This was reportedly due to reckless behaviour by Grade 12 learners, including underage drinking, drug use, and a firearm incident.

In a lengthy open letter published on the school’s Facebook page, Venter apologised to students who were not involved in the alleged misconduct. She also vowed to thoroughly investigate the incident and launch disciplinary proceedings against any perpetrators.

Earlier this week, podcaster Penuel Mlotshwa addressed the school learners, urging them to exercise responsibility and accountability.

On Facebook, preacher and influencer Curt van Heerden called for Roosevelt High School to refund the Matric Dance ticket sales or fund another event out of their own pocket.

This is related to principal Cristèl Venter shutting down the event over alleged misconduct by several Grade 12 learners. Following the event, Venter posted a 10-page open letter condemning students and some parents for their reckless behaviour.

Van Heerden accused the principal of failing to establish the facts and of “misusing her authority” in admonishing the students.

He said: “It’s completely unfair that 95% of the matric students should suffer for what 5% have done.

“You closed down one of the best nights every high school student looks forward to. It’s wrong, it’s unfair, and it should not have happened.

He continued: “The way you spoke to them was unfair. You, as the SGB and principal, need to do one of two things: refund all the students, or come together and plan a proper Matric Dance”.

“This must be investigated. I won’t let it go”.

AVIANTO RESPONSE, AND DEMANDS FOR ‘PROOF’

In another video, Chris van Heerden shared “receipts” that Roosevelt High School’s principal had acted prematurely in shutting down the Matric Dance.

This included screenshots, email correspondence by the events venue, Avianto Hotel, which disputed claims that it had called for the event to end early.

Avianto disputed that alcohol was served to Matric learners or that intoxicated learners had damaged or vomited on their property, as was alleged. The venue also claimed that the firearm incident involved adults, and not Grade 12 learners.

Several parents also expressed their disappointment and frustration, particularly at the principal admonishing the students at the venue and posting an open letter on Facebook.

One mother told TimesLive that she had saved money to give her daughter the best Matric Dance experience, only for it to be cut short.

Another father, Mohamed Kader, went on record to state that the sequence of events described by the principal was incorrect.

Other parents are requesting “proof” of the principal’s claims of underage drinking, drug use and claims that students had become violently ill at the venue.

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