A teacher at LD Moetanalo High School in Mpumalanga is in hot water after being recorded cutting and removing a learner’s braids in full view of a class.
The video was captured at the school in Mhluzi in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, and has left social media users shocked at the female teacher’s conduct.
The video shows the teacher forcefully pulling a female learner’s braids, as some pupils recording the incident are screaming and calling out the teacher, while others are heard laughing.
As the teacher pulls and cuts the braids, the learner is seen desperately trying to save what’s left on her head.
The Mpumalanga Department of Education on Thursday condemned the conduct of the teacher.
The department’s spokesperson, Jasper Zwane, said an investigation had been launched and the teacher suspended.
“The department has decided to institute precautionary suspension against the teacher with immediate effect while the investigation into the circumstances that led to this incident unfold,” said Zwane.
“Teachers are expected to conduct themselves appropriately and professionally as guided by their professional ethics and conduct according to South African Council for Educators (SACE), hence this conduct is deemed inappropriate.”
Zwane said educators were supposed to be mindful of the bill of rights and act in the best interests of learners.
He said the learner and other pupils affected by the unfortunate incident would receive psychosocial counselling.
“The department will also reflect on the school’s code of conduct for learners as part of the investigation process,” Zwane said.
He said the department would provide more information on the matter once the investigation was concluded.
Facebook users shared their views on the incident.
“This can’t be tolerated, the principal have to see this,” wrote Tshwarelo Jonas.
Another user, Tembie Ngcobo, called for the teacher to be fired. “Udinga ubhushu lo”
The Star