Read more
Teacher suspended after ‘corporal punishment’ video goes viral
The South African government officially abolished corporal punishment in schools back in 1996, in alignment with the South African Schools Act.
A teacher has been suspended for using corporal punishment. (Photo by Gallo Images / Daily Dispatch / Mark Andrews)
In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of pupils, a teacher in Eastern Cape has been suspended for allegedly using corporal punishment on pupils.
The incident, captured on video, has ignited public outrage and gone viral on social media platforms.
The disturbing incident occurred at Mbodleni Senior Secondary School in Mount Frere, and involved a teacher resorting to caning pupils on their buttocks. This event has drawn sharp criticism and deep concern from various quarters.
Corporal punishment abolished
The South African government officially abolished corporal punishment in schools back in 1996, in alignment with the South African Schools Act. As per this legislation, the use of physical punishment on pupils is not only against educational policy but also a criminal offence.
In response to the incident, the provincial education department swiftly suspended the teacher in question, pending a thorough investigation.
All the affected pupils have been provided with counselling and debriefing to help them cope with the traumatic experience.
READ ALSO: Corporal punishment still used in South African schools – Stats SA
Criminal case
Parents of the pupils have the option to file criminal charges of common assault against the teacher.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said no official police cases had been opened against the teacher yet.
READ ALSO: Limpopo teacher under investigation for corporal punishment incident
Behaviour condemned
Teacher unions condemned the incident, with Professional Educators’ Union (PEU) Secretary-General, Ben Machipi reminding their members to refrain from using corporal punishment.
He said corporal punishment had the potential to tarnish the teaching profession.
READ ALSO: Section27 corporal punishment case heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
The National Professional Teachers Organisation (Naptosa) described the incident as “unbelievable”, underscoring the dignity of the affected children and the injury caused.
