Gauteng Education probes alleged assault of learner at Protea North school
By Mapaballo Borotho
A teacher from a school in Soweto allegedly lashed a female Grade 11 learner 92 times for exceeding the required word count in an essay.
The Grade 11 class had been instructed to write a 150-word essay. However, the learner reportedly wrote 308 words, exceeding the required word count.
The teacher allegedly responded by saying she would administer 158 lashes for failing to follow instructions.
The beating was allegedly so severe that some of the teenager’s classmates offered to take 10 lashes each on her behalf.
As a result of the alleged excessive punishment, the learner suffered blisters and blood clots on her left hand and had to receive immediate treatment at a hospital.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with many questioning the proper methods of disciplining learners and the regulations surrounding corporal punishment in schools.
Angry community members, including parents and unions, marched to Tetelo Secondary School in Protea North on Wednesday, demanding the removal of the teacher accused of the assault.
The incident has shocked many, particularly because corporal punishment is illegal in South African schools.
Siz The World discussed the matter on Thursday morning, including the regulations around corporal punishment and the headmaster’s alleged protection of the teacher.
“For me it goes without saying, this teacher must be fired. If someone had done that to my child, I would be in jail right now,” said Sizwe Dhlomo.
Dhlomo added that while the teacher was clearly wrong and should face consequences, she may have acted out of frustration.
He suggested that many South Africans are still struggling to recover financially and emotionally following COVID-19, which could contribute to heightened anger and impatience.
Mpho Maboi said people are generally on edge due to personal and financial pressures.
“People are so angry in general… We are living in a society where everyone is ready to snap at everyone and anything,” Maboi said, adding that sometimes individuals lash out because of what they are going through in their own lives.
The Gauteng Department of Education has assured the public that it has dispatched officials to manage and investigate the situation at the school.
The incident has reignited debate about discipline in schools and whether this was a case of frustration taken out on a learner or an act of outright cruelty.
Listen to the podcast for the full discussion …
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