1 September
A pupil from Khunjuliwe Secondary School was allegedly assaulted by the principal, Ms Zakithi Makhubu on 29 August after she was absent from school.
The pupil sustained some bruises on her thighs after the incident.
According to the pupil a group of Grade 11 and 12 pupils were called into the principal’s office and told to write down their names, surnames, dates of birth and subjects they are doing.
The principal apparently told them she is going to de-register them because they were absent and then hit them with a pipe all over their bodies.
The pupil alleged that it was not the first time she assaulted pupils in this manner.
According to the her the principal later apologised to the pupils saying she punished them because she wanted them to pass.
The pupil informed her father about the incident and her father advised her to open a case.
When Ms Makhubu was contacted, she denied the allegations.
“I did not hit any pupil today and don’t know anything about this,” Ms Makhubu said.
She requested any pupil with a problem to come and talk to her.
The pupil’s older sister expressed her frustration about the situation saying it was not right because corporal punishment was banned.
The district office of the Department of Education in Ermelo was repeatedly phoned, but at the time of going to press no one could be reached.
The Standerton Advertiser will follow up on the issue and keep readers informed about any developments.
2 September – 11:11
The Standerton Advertiser was able to reach the Department of Education this morning and spoke to a Mr Tsotsetsi at the District Office of Communication.
He said the matter was brought to the attention of the department, but that he could not comment on the incident.
He referred the Standerton Advertiser to Mr Jespa Zwane, spokesman of the department who, when the Advertiser tried to reach him was engaged in a meeting.
His secretary, however, requested that we phone back within 15 minutes.
We will keep readers updated.
