A video doing the rounds of an Afrikaans teacher from The Hill High School – South of Johannesburg – in a tussle with a learner is completely unacceptable.
The video shows the teacher forcefully trying to subdue a learner, by dragging him by his jersey. Corporal punishment which involves any type in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort – was banned in South Africa in 1997. The fact that it continues 18 years later needs urgent intervention by the Department of Education.
According to information received by a student governing body member, while the teacher has been approached about her unconventional disciplinary method; as seen in the video, her alleged abuse extends to the use abusive language at both learners and fellow teachers.
The DA calls on the Department of Education to investigate the incident, the behaviour of both teacher and learner, to prevent similar situations from re-occurring as well as to avoid the infringement of individual rights.
Media enquiries:
Khume Ramulifho, MPL
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education
082 398 7375