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.
