Teacher dismissed by GDE after Krugersdorp learner’s assault
Following several disciplinary hearings, the Gauteng Department of Education has dismissed a teacher who assaulted a learner.
The Gauteng Department of Education has dismissed a teacher at a primary school in Swaneville, Krugersdorp, following a case of misconduct.
The teacher at the school assaulted a learner during a lesson in class in June last year.
The Krugersdorp News interviewed the child and his mother, resulting in a case being filed against the teacher and the principal.
At the time, the young victim told Krugersdorp News what led to the incident.
He explained that while the educator was teaching, he had a minor chat with a classmate and asked to borrow some stationery. The teacher then became physically violent and hit him with his fist on his forehead.
According to the child’s mother, the teacher also grabbed him by his hair and banged his head against the wall, which led to severe injuries and bleeding from his ear. The victim required medical attention and was taken to a clinic.
The mother opened a case of assault at the Kagiso Police Station.
When she reported the incident to the school principal, she said she wasn’t given clarity or told what would happen to the teacher. She claimed he was discouraging and dismissive.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) eventually got involved in the case.
On April 4, following an investigation and hearing, the GDE confirmed that the case had been resolved and that the teacher was found guilty and dismissed.
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona confirms that the necessary steps were taken to ensure that the child received justice. The principal was also charged for not reporting the matter to the GDE.
“The department can confirm that a disciplinary hearing against the said principal was finalised and [the principal was] charged accordingly, which did not warrant dismissal. Furthermore, necessary psycho-social support was offered to all affected by this unfortunate incident.
“We condemn any form of assault on learners in schools as corporal punishment is outlawed by the Constitution and the South African Schools Act. Cases of corporal punishment and other disciplinary matters are referred to the Labour Relations Unit for thorough investigation, counselling and consequence management,” Mabona says.
The child’s mother is happy with the case’s outcome.
“We are happy that the department listened to our side of the story and that everyone involved in this situation was held accountable,” she says.
Read original story on www.citizen.co.za