The resignation of Crispin Sonn, chairperson of the Council of Bishop’s Diocesan College, has ignited significant public discourse and criticism. Sonn stepped down with immediate effect, a decision announced by the prestigious Cape Town boarding school on Thursday, November 14.
The move has drawn attention due to its association with Sonn’s outspoken support for Palestine. Sonn, a recognized advocate for transformation, faced backlash from the school community after expressing his views on the ongoing conflict in Palestine. His resignation follows a series of events that have led to accusations of hypocrisy and systemic failure within the school and broader society.
“Sonn, a champion of transformation, was forced to resign after expressing his views on the genocide in Palestine. His silencing highlights the hypocrisy of a school community that claims to promote moral courage but punishes free speech. Racism in our schools, from Bishops to Pinelands, reflects the systemic failures of this DA-led provincial government. This cannot continue,”
said Khalid Sayed MPL, speaking on behalf of the African National Congress (ANC).
The ANC condemned the circumstances surrounding Sonn’s resignation, emphasizing the prevalence of entrenched racism within the Western Cape. Khalid Sayed, a Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL), articulated the ANC’s position, linking the issue to broader systemic inequities in the region.
Sayed further urged the Democratic Alliance (DA)-led provincial government to align with South Africa’s international commitments, particularly concerning justice and equality.
“To truly build an inclusive province, the ANC calls on the DA to support justice abroad by aligning with South Africa’s stance at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Transform education by making our schools safe spaces that celebrate diversity and moral courage. Challenge corporate complicity, holding entities like Discovery accountable when their actions, and inviting the Israeli government to a meeting, contradict our values. The Western Cape must lead by example, embracing diversity in action, not just in words,”
Sayed said.
Sonn’s departure comes a month after a social media controversy that placed him in the spotlight. The issue began when Sonn posted a pro-Palestinian message on his Facebook page. The post, which was later deleted, provoked a strong reaction from some members of the Bishop’s Diocesan College community.
In response to the backlash, the Old Diocesan Union released a statement denouncing Sonn’s actions.
“We want to convey that the posting of the views on social media was a deeply inappropriate act which was unacceptable to many members of the Bishops Community and contrary to the values which we believe to be fundamental to Bishops,”
the Union stated.
Sonn subsequently issued a public apology, explaining that his message had been misinterpreted by some readers. He expressed regret for any harm caused and took steps to withdraw the post.
“After reading many of the comments in response to the post, I realised that the message I had intended to share had been misunderstood by some people. Hence, I immediately withdrew and deleted the post,”
Sonn said in his apology.
Following Sonn’s resignation, the school announced that Dr. Chris Haw, an existing member of the council, would serve as acting chairperson. The transition comes as Bishop’s Diocesan College faces heightened scrutiny over its handling of the incident and the broader implications for freedom of expression and diversity in educational spaces.
Sonn’s resignation and the events leading to it have raised questions about the intersection of free speech, inclusivity, and institutional accountability in South Africa. Critics argue that the controversy reflects a deeper struggle with systemic racism and a failure to embrace the diversity that institutions like Bishop’s Diocesan College claim to uphold.
As the debate continues, this incident has become a focal point for broader discussions about the values and policies shaping South Africa’s schools and society at large.
