School came out early on Tuesday for Minerva High School children when the Congress of South African Students’ (Cosas) regional deputy chairperson, Mokgethi Makhura interrupted a special assembly aimed at addressing gangsterism in schools.
According to Makhura, a Grade 11 child was assaulted by the principal and a teacher last week and when he fought back, the police were called.
Speaking to Alex News, Makhura said he saw this as corporal punishment.
“As Cosas, we do not condone corporal punishment, so I took it upon myself to come and address the issue,” he said. Makhura added that the police presence made the children feel uneasy. “This is a crime-free zone; guns on the premises make the learners feel uncomfortable.”
He also urged teachers to stop ‘corporal punishment’.
Gauteng Department of Education’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona said they were aware of the incident. “It was reported to the department on Friday and we immediately intervened,” he said.
Mabona also said the school took corrective measures in dealing with the matter. “The school conducted a disciplinary hearing against the learner, in line with the South African Schools Act.” He added that the learner was suspended.
According to a report, conducted by the department, Mabona said the boy was verbally reprimanded (by a teacher) for wearing inappropriate headgear.
“He was previously reprimanded but continued the bad behaviour and banged the door while class was still in session.”
He said the child was requested to report to the principal’s office. “He was arrogant and pulled the teacher by her hair and sexually harassed her by touching her inappropriately.”
Mabona said attempts to reach the boy’s parents were unsuccessful and when asked to provide alternative numbers of his parents, the boy refused.
“He then insulted and threatened the principal and educators. The principal therefore forcefully took books from his hands and he left the office.”
“When coming back to the office, he [the boy] met one of the teachers in the foyer and attacked him.”
Mabona said that cases of misconduct should be attended to immediately by following correct procedures.
“Parents should be informed of the incident, then perpetrators go through a disciplinary process, and appropriate sanction is recommended.”
Mabona denied allegations of gangsterism at the school, saying that there were learners who practice such behaviour outside the school.
He said the role of Cosas in schools was to complement the Representative Council of Learners.
He appealed to schoolchildren to follow the rules of the school and refrain from acts of misconduct.
“We also urge parents to assist the department to enforce discipline in and outside the school environment.”
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