A male teacher at Madabani Primary School in the Soutpansberg West Circuit in Limpopo will be investigated by the Department of Education after reports surfaced that he corporally punished a Grade 5 learner, in full view of his classmates, for not doing his homework.

The 13-year-old boy allegedly sustained multiple injuries to his bottom.

The boy’s mother, who wants to remain anonymous, says the family was at first reluctant to bring up the matter as they wanted to protect their son from being victimised at school. However, they eventually reported the incident to the circuit manager of Soutpansberg West.

“We also met with the teacher, who convinced us not to lay a charge with the police. He wanted us to keep mum on the matter, but my son’s buttocks were badly swollen,” she says.

The mother feels the Department of Education should act against abusive teachers.

“As a parent, I am hurt to see my child bruised by someone who should be protecting him. If my child has done something wrong, why does the teacher not call me as a parent? Many times, I have heard children from this school complaining about being hit by their teachers and many are too afraid to report these incidents out of fear that they will be failed.”

She says her trust in teachers at the school has been broken.

“I thought teachers are committed to protecting learners, including my son, but I was wrong. Enough is enough now. This time around I want to see the department take action against this teacher,” she adds.

When contacted for comment, the Department of Education’s spokesman Mike Maringa described the incident as ‘regrettable’, saying that corporal punishment is forbidden.

He added that the department will launch an investigation into the matter.

“We are still waiting for the report [about the] incident from the principal, circuit manager, and senior district manager,” he said.