Teacher slaps student at Cape Town's San Souci Girls' High School | Image: Twitter
A Cape Town teacher finds herself facing disciplinary action after a video of her slapping a pupil in the face made its way onto social media earlier this week.
The video shows the teacher reprimanding the pupil for not having a proper workbook and for using her phone in class before the pupil rudely responds to the teacher and insults her.
The teacher then tries to confiscate the pupil’s phone as it is against the school’s code of conduct to use a cellphone during class but can’t manage to do so. She then tries to kick the pupil out of her class before a physical altercation ensues.
The pupil tries to reach for her phone on the teacher’s desk before the teacher slaps her across the face.
A Twitter user by the name of Teddy Njoli uploaded the video and tagged Gauteng MEC for education Panyaza Lesufi, begging for his intervention.
Speaking to The South African, Jess Shelver, the spokesperson to MEC Debbie Schafer, said their office has condemned the actions of the teacher and that corporal punishment “should not be tolerated”.
“The WCED is aware of the incident. Our officials will be there on Wednesday morning. This kind of behaviour isn’t acceptable and the teacher will be facing disciplinary proceedings. We are aware of behavioural issues in our schools, but we do not tolerate corporal punishment to deal with learners,” stated Shelver.
The Citizen reached out to San Souci for a statement and are currently awaiting an official response once the governing body’s meeting regarding the matter adjourns.
Since the video became viral, the EFF has since come to the defence of the student in question and her mother.
ALSO READ: Probe reveals racist practices at San Souci Girls High
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