The Free State Education Department has expressed strong disapproval of any form of violence in schools following an altercation between a teacher and a Grade 8 learner at HTS Welkom on Monday. A viral video shows the teacher and the learner involved in a physical struggle over a mobile phone after the teacher allegedly asked the student to switch it off during class.
The department has since launched an investigation into the incident, which has drawn widespread attention. According to the mother of the 14-year-old learner, Motshidisi Molete, her son returned home with injuries, including a bump on his forehead and wounds on his hands. Molete explained that her son’s phone rang during class, and when he tried to switch it off as instructed by the teacher, the altercation escalated. “I don’t know how to comfort my child; he’s traumatised,” she said, adding that her son is typically well-behaved and non-confrontational.
The Free State Education Department has made it clear that it prioritises the safety of both learners and teachers on school premises and that ill-discipline will not be tolerated. Spokesperson Howard Ndaba emphasised that there are appropriate disciplinary methods that should be used instead of physical confrontations. “This is not the way the learner should be disciplined,” Ndaba said. “We will ensure a thorough investigation and share our findings with the public.”
Once the investigation is complete, the department has promised to take appropriate action if any wrongdoing is found.
Source: eNCA