Photo: Pexels
Free State teacher suspended for ‘violently’ pushing a learner
The Department of Education in Free State has pleaded for the matter not to be used to fan racial tensions.
Photo: Pexels
A teacher at Wessel Maree Secondary School in Odendaalsrus, Free State has been suspended with immediate effect after a video circulating on social media showed her violently pushing a learner.
The Free State Department of Education said it has noted the video with grave concern and is investigating the matter.
FREE STATE EDUCATION DEPT CONDEMNS BULLYING
Free State Education spokesperson, Howard Ndaba said the department condemns in the strongest possible terms, acts of violence, bullying, corporal punishment and racism in our schools.
“Schools should be centres of learning and teaching conducive to the delivery of quality education.
“Together with all our stakeholders, we have developed a plan to tackle these challenges in our schools across the province and Lejweleputswa District in particular where the incident is alleged to have taken place.”
Howard Ndaba
Free State Education MEC Pule Makgoe has appealed for calm following the incident and called on both learners and teachers to work together.
He also warned against elements who may want to use this unfortunate incident for their political mileage.
“We have launched an investigation to look into this unfortunate incident. At this stage, we do not know all the details pertaining to the incident. The investigation, once complete, will shed more light into what transpired. The department will, on the strength of the evidence at our disposal, then be able to make an informed decision on what action to take,” he explained.
Makgoe also said that there are rogues who may want to use the incident to fan racial tensions.
“Our people must guard against such people. We must work together for the good of our learners and must not allow opportunists to drive a wedge between ourselves.
“We therefore appeal for calm and urge our people not to jump to conclusions. Let us allow the investigation process to be concluded so that this matter is dealt with.”
Free State Education MEC
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