Limpopo teachers allegedly order pupils to strip in search of crib notes

The DA has reported teachers from HS Phillips Secondary School near Elim, in Limpopo, to the South African Council for Educators (Sace) for “humiliating” and violating the privacy of Grade 11 and 12 learners.

The teachers have been accused of ordering the pupils to strip so they could search for crib notes before writing their midyear exams last week.

“Boys and girls were searched separately by having their clothing removed. Some learners were not wearing any underwear, and suffered obvious humiliation and anxiety as a result,” said the DA in a statement. .

According to Sace’s code of conduct, all teachers must respect the dignity and constitutional rights of learners, which includes the right to privacy and confidentiality.

According to reports, spokesperson for the Limpopo department of education Naledzani Rasila said they were investigating the matter.

Meanwhile, the DA said it would inform MEC for education Ishmael Kgetjepe of the incident and request that he immediately suspend those teachers pending an investigation.

“We will also request that social workers are dispatched to provide counselling to these learners, especially those who were forced to remain naked in full view of all the teachers and learners,” added the party.