* Editor's note: This is a developing story. We will bring you updates as more information becomes available.

JOHANNESBURG - The Laerskool Schweizer-Reneke teacher at the centre of alleged racism in a classroom has been suspended with immediate effect.

North West Education MEC Sello Lehare says the school's explanation is that the children were separated on the basis of language.

Earlier, parents removed their children from the school and tensions were high as EFF members gathered outside the school.

A picture showing about four black pupils seated separately at a desk from a larger group of white pupils at another desk, has gone viral on social media.

The picture was sent to a WhatsApp group for parents and has some parents and social media users very angry.