Jeppe Boys comments on teacher video

Jeppe High School for Boys has stated that it is aware of an incident between an educator and a class of matric boys that led to the recording and distribution of a video which contained offensive language.

In the video, which appears to be taken from a cellular phone by one of the learners in the class‚ the teacher is screaming at what seems to be a pupil.

Mr Michael Berger, the school’s governing body (SGB) chairman, said both the educator and the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) have been engaged in an investigation regarding the matter, which is currently taking place.

He said the school is cooperating with the GDE in this matter and managing the due, correct process so as to ensure that the matter can be brought to a swift conclusion.

“In my capacity as chairman of the SGB and after consultation, we communicated regarding the matter to all our parents as well as to all the staff. This was done immediately when it was brought to our attention on August 25,” said Mr Berger.

“As Johannesburg’s oldest public school we pride ourselves on our long-standing credibility and reputation for education excellence; therefore, we will remain steadfast and committed in finding fair resolution for all parties concerned taking into account all the facts and considerations that present,” said Mr Berger. “We need to highlight that it is in contravention of the school’s Code of Conduct and a contravention of the school’s social media policy in every aspect to forward any offensive and inappropriate comments, videos and images via social media that could be deemed harmful to the reputation of the school. Anyone who does this becomes part of the chain of publication and can be held liable,” said Mr Berger.

“We, therefore, urge learners, parents and staff in possession of this material to delete it and refrain from spreading the content of this video or posting any further comments on social media platforms.”

The NEWS/EXPRESS made several attempts to contact Mr Oupa Bodibe, spokesperson for the GDE, for comment on Thursday and also forwarded a request for comment on September 15.

Comment was requested by September 16 at 9am.

At the time of going to print no comment had been received.

Old Boys support teacher

Since the video made headline news last week, Jeppe Old Boys have come out in large numbers, supporting the teacher.

Many took to the Bedfordview and Edenvale News Facebook page.

•  Dylan Willson said, “Incredible teacher! Will have our support any day! Parents are lucky to have their kids taught by a teacher like her!”
•  Mark Stocks commented, “She was an awesome teacher and took no nonsense, a lot of us Jeppe Old Boys owe her for where we are today. You don’t put in that many years at the same school without absolute passion for teaching. I started at Jeppe in 1984 and she was there already.”
•  “One of the best teachers at the school. Tough as nails but always had the best interest of the students in mind. She helped and guided many a student and any old boy would vouch for her. Don’t let the internet get it twisted. I was one of her students and let me tell you that I take my hat off to her for staying there all these years,” said Igor Correia.
•  Mike Barnes commented, “Great teacher. Also had an awesome sense of humour. We old boys should get together and teach those little sh*ts in that class a thing or two about respect!
•  Tsoloane Monaheng said, “She was my teacher four to five years ago and she was amazing. I most probably wouldn’t have passed without her. There are students that go out of their way to push teachers to this point for laughs.”
•  Adam Worster commented, “This teacher taught me for two years and was the head of tennis (which I played) while I was at Jeppe. I have nothing but respect for her. She is an exceptionally strong woman who has to deal with some extremely difficult pupils…I can’t think of any old boy that wouldn’t stand by her.”
•  Marco Cocomello said, “I was personally taught by the teacher in question and I defend her fully.”
•  “Ask any Jeppe Old Boy his opinion and he will only have positive things to say about her. I think it takes tremendous courage to be a female teacher at an all-boys school. She is tough as nails and it was a privilege to have been taught by her,” said Moegamat Philbey.
•  Suvarn Sastri Naidoo said, “I was taught by this teacher. She was an excellent teacher. A very soft, sensitive person and people would take advantage of her good nature. This video is extremely biased, it has no context, no background of what was endured and put up with prior to this incident.”