Teachers strip learners during exam
Teachers at HS Phillips Secondary School in Shirley near Elim are in hot water for allegedly strip-searching learners for crib notes during the June examinations.
LIMPOPO – According to reports, everyday before the exams commenced the teacher would ask learners to undress so they can be searched for any crib notes that they may use to cheat during the exam.
One teenage girl, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, told CV that all the girls were called to a small classroom along with boys.
“The teachers would say we must take off our bras and raise our arms. They would even tap us on the back to ensure that we have nothing hidden,” she said.
She said she was traumatised by the disrespect and reported the matter to her parents who then contacted the principal.
The parents of the learners involved were later contacted and the situation was explained. One of the parents said that it was “inappropriate under the circumstances”.
He said that what the teachers did was unlawful and an invasion of privacy.
Another parent said that he appealed to the School Governing Body and the Department of Education to call the teachers to task for what they did but nothing has been done since.
When asked for comment, The Department of Education maintained that mid-year examinations conducted in schools across the province were completed with no challenges experienced.
“There were no incidents of wrongdoing reported from all schools until now and it is not anticipated that such reports will be received. Examinations were closely monitored from the beginning to the end,” said Education Spokesperson, Dr Naledzani Rasila.
He said they were aware of the alleged incident but could not confirm its veracity as yet, but that they requested their district department to investigate the matter as it has never been an education policy that any learner should be stripped of their clothing,” Rasila said.
“All structures should have waited for the investigation to be completed and not just throw it out there before the information was verified.
“It is not expected that any person can willingly or be forced to take off clothes on school premises. Learners may be requested to leave all material they carry which can be used for copying during examination outside examination rooms.
“Should any learner be found copying, the rules of examinations apply, but there is no rule that subjects learners to taking off their clothes,” he added.
“The DA continues to cause confusion in the education sector and the community in general by releasing unsubstantiated and unverified information meant to discredit the work of Education in the public’s eyes,” Rasila concluded.
In a press release, DA Provincial Leader and Spokesperson on Education, Jacques Smalle, said 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,” he stated.
“According to SACE’s teachers’ code of conduct, all teachers must respect the dignity and constitutional rights of learners, which includes the right to privacy and confidentiality,” Smalle said.
He said the teachers involved allegedly violated the code with their conduct and that the incident needed to be investigated urgently and that immediate disciplinary action must be taken against teachers who are found guilty.
