KZN MEC for education Siphosihle Hlomuka will conduct an oversight visit at Dr Joseph Shabalala Secondary School in Ladysmith today following a disturbing video showing a teacher physically abusing a group of learners.

According to Ladysmith Gazette, the video, which has gone viral, shows the teacher slapping three learners on the head at the front of the class. It appears to have been secretly filmed by a learner.

In a statement released to the media, Hlomuka condemned the incident, saying it goes against established protocols for discipline in schools.

He stressed that corporal punishment – which includes any act of punishing or disciplining a learner that causes physical pain, injury or psychological harm – is prohibited by law.

As a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, South Africa has adopted laws protecting children from all forms of physical and mental violence, injury, abuse and neglect.

The MEC’s visit will include a meeting with the school management team, members of the school governing body, teachers and learners.

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