The Inkatha Freedom Party has responded with horror after a Facebook video showing a KwaZulu-Natal school teacher beating school girls went viral.
“We are horrified that corporal punishment is still being administered to learners after it was banned in the mid-1990s and is outlawed according to the SA Schools Act. From the video it is clear that the female teacher is using a long stick to beat girls in the class. The girls are in obvious pain but the teacher continues to beat them. The Department of Education in KZN needs to move swiftly to identify the school and the teacher concerned. This is a blatant form of abuse of authority by the teacher. Our children are sent to school to be taught, not to be beaten and abused. This teacher obviously has some serious issues of her own but she cannot be allowed to take out her frustrations on the learners in her change”, said IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson, Mrs Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa MPL.
“The IFP is convinced that this is not an isolated incident. Circuit managers appointed in the various districts must investigate and keep a close watch on what is going on at schools. If there are discipline issues at certain schools, the Department of Education must intervene and provide support to school management. Teachers are there to teach and they should not be ceased with writing reports and other administrative duties where ill-discipline is concerned. Teachers need to be assisted to manage those few learners who disrupt teaching and learning at schools. This is where circuit managers and other departmental officials have an important role to play. The new MEC for Education, Mthandeni Dlungwane must now show leadership and act swiftly to deal with this teacher and any others guilty of such offences”, concluded Mrs Madlopha Mthethwa
Issued by:
IFP KZN Education Spokesperson
Mrs Thembeni KaMadlopha-Mthethwa, MPL
071 884 3844 or 079 114 3015
Media enquiries:
Mr Phendulani Biyase
IFP KZN Legislature Media Liaison Officer
073 024 5675
