KZN Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka addressed an assembly of pupils at Dr Joseph Shabalala Secondary School this morning (September 3) after a video of a teacher slapping learners at the school went viral.

He affirmed that the matter is now with the department and is getting all the attention it deserves.

He urged the teachers and learners to show respect towards one another and avoid engaging in faction fighting within the school hierarchy. He slammed corporal punishment, saying it is wrong, but went on to say there is no crisis regarding this matter and everyone should carry on as usual with the schooling process.

Read original story: KZN Education MEC to investigate viral video showing teacher slapping learners

“We are aware of the matters at this school, including that of the principal, and all these matters are being dealt with following internal processes. The same with this one – the department is going to conduct internal processes and once they’re done, a report will be issued. We advise that everyone concentrate on their tasks and refrain from interfering in matters that do not concern them. The primary focus should be on the upcoming final exams, not anything else,” said Hlomuka.

Stakeholders – including the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) and SADTU – shared the same sentiments, saying that learners must focus on their studies, respect the teachers, and remain disciplined at all times. The learners welcomed the message from the speakers with an overwhelming round of applause.

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