DIVERSITY High School matriculants are up in arms after being ‘forced to shave’ their beards off before writing their mathematics paper one on October 25.
According to the learners, there were about 15 boys pulled out from the examination hall to go shave.
The angry learners told the COURIER that two teachers ‘forced’ them to shave with one razor blade and they believe the blade was used before.
They also claimed that with time not on their side, they decided to shave with the blade and others experienced bleeding, but the teachers didn’t care.
Learners said they asked the teachers to go buy a blade because the one they were using had blood all over it, but the teachers paid no attention to their concern.
One learner said, “I strongly believe I have failed the paper because after all the experience I went through, I couldn’t concentrate. This is a dehumanising act of cruelty by our own teachers who are supposed to be our mothers and monitors.”
According to the learners, there was one learner who wasn’t dragged out to go shave. They claimed the two teachers feared the learner and that’s why they didn’t bother him.
“We need to be treated like human beings. We are not saying every teacher in the school is abusing us, but those who abuse us should be brought to book,” said one learner.
Response
Gauteng Department of Education’s (GDE) spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department is concerned about the alleged conduct of the involved educators at the said school.
“We have launched an investigation, and, as such, the educators were served with audi letters and will appear in a disciplinary process. Our psycho-social unit was dispatched to the school to offer support and necessary intervention accordingly to all affected by the alleged incident.
“It’s unfortunate as this incident happened during this time of a year, where learners are busy writing their final exams.
“The department has a zero-tolerance stance on such allegations and has never hesitated to act where allegations of this nature have been proven true,” said Mabona.
Mabona told the COURIER they implore educators to refrain from all types of misconduct and focus on teaching.
“Educators should lead by example to ensure that learners mirror their conduct in creating a safe school environment, conducive for effective learning and teaching,” added Mabona.
