A teacher has been suspended for using corporal punishment. (Photo by Gallo Images / Daily Dispatch / Mark Andrews)
In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of pupils, a teacher in Eastern Cape has been suspended for allegedly using corporal punishment on pupils.
The incident, captured on video, has ignited public outrage and gone viral on social media platforms.
The disturbing incident occurred at Mbodleni Senior Secondary School in Mount Frere, and involved a teacher resorting to caning pupils on their buttocks. This event has drawn sharp criticism and deep concern from various quarters.
The South African government officially abolished corporal punishment in schools back in 1996, in alignment with the South African Schools Act. As per this legislation, the use of physical punishment on pupils is not only against educational policy but also a criminal offence.
In response to the incident, the provincial education department swiftly suspended the teacher in question, pending a thorough investigation.
All the affected pupils have been provided with counselling and debriefing to help them cope with the traumatic experience.
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Parents of the pupils have the option to file criminal charges of common assault against the teacher.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said no official police cases had been opened against the teacher yet.
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Teacher unions condemned the incident, with Professional Educators’ Union (PEU) Secretary-General, Ben Machipi reminding their members to refrain from using corporal punishment.
He said corporal punishment had the potential to tarnish the teaching profession.
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The National Professional Teachers Organisation (Naptosa) described the incident as “unbelievable”, underscoring the dignity of the affected children and the injury caused.
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