# 📄 **PRESS RELEASE**

 

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

 

## **Urgent Appeal for School Placement and Review of Case Involving Former Hoërskool Bastion Learner, Tristan Britz**

 

**West District, Gauteng – April 2026**

 

The family of Tristan Britz, a former learner at Hoërskool Bastion, is urgently appealing for intervention from the West District Department of Education following his expulsion and ongoing inability to secure placement at another public school.

 

Since his expulsion, repeated efforts have been made to obtain placement for Tristan within the district. Despite numerous written requests, follow-ups, and referrals between offices, no placement has yet been secured, and Tristan remains out of school.

 

### **Background to the Incident**

 

In February 2026, Tristan became involved in an altercation with another learner at Hoërskool Bastion. It is alleged that this learner had been taking inappropriate photographs of female learners without their consent. These concerns had reportedly been raised with school educators prior to the incident, but no effective intervention had been implemented at the time.

 

The situation escalated over time, resulting in distress among affected learners.

 

On 17 February 2026, Tristan encountered the learner during an ongoing incident and a physical altercation occurred. A teacher intervened at the scene and instructed Tristan not to retaliate, indicating that a disciplinary case was already being prepared against the other learner and that further action should not be taken independently.

 

Despite this, Tristan was subsequently expelled a few days later.

 

### **School Disciplinary Proceedings**

 

At a disciplinary follow-up meeting held on 26 March 2026, the Head of Discipline confirmed that a case was being prepared against the other learner and that further disciplinary action may be recommended.

 

It was also indicated during this meeting that the learner involved had been implicated in multiple altercations at the school, with at least two other learners already expelled in connection with incidents involving the same individual.

 

### **Prior Reports of Bullying**

 

Tristan’s family has also stated that he had previously reported ongoing bullying by the same learner, including incidents in which he was physically pushed over suitcases and down stairs. These concerns were reportedly brought to the attention of educators, and Tristan was advised not to retaliate while the matter was being addressed.

 

### **Impact on Education and Wellbeing**

 

Since his expulsion, Tristan has remained out of school. Despite ongoing efforts to secure placement at another public school, no resolution has been provided.

 

His family reports that the situation has had a significant impact on his wellbeing, including emotional distress, anxiety, and increasing uncertainty about his future. Academically, he is falling behind daily, with a risk of having to repeat the academic year.

 

Tristan is described as a motivated learner with a strong academic ambition. He aspires to become a criminal lawyer, a goal that requires continued access to education.

 

### **Constitutional and Legal Context**

 

The family has raised concern that Tristan’s current situation may amount to a violation of his constitutional right to basic education, as set out in Section 29(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

 

In addition, the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996 places an obligation on the education authorities to ensure that learners of compulsory school-going age are accommodated at a school.

 

### **Request for Intervention**

 

The family is respectfully requesting urgent assistance with the following:

 

1. Immediate placement of Tristan Britz at a suitable public school within the West District; alternatively, consideration of reinstatement at Hoërskool Bastion where his sibling is currently enrolled

2. Clear guidance on any outstanding administrative or procedural requirements, if applicable

3. Urgent intervention to prevent further disruption to his education and wellbeing

 

### **Closing Statement**

 

The family emphasises that this matter is not solely about disciplinary action, but about ensuring fair consideration of context, safeguarding a learner’s constitutional right to education, and preventing long-term educational harm.

 

They have requested a written response outlining the steps that will be taken to resolve the matter.