Teacher suspended for hitting pupil
2011-03-18 17:46
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Johannesburg
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Johannesburg - A female teacher was suspended
for allegedly hitting a pupil at the Glenbrack High School, in Alberton, the
Gauteng education department said on Friday.
"Corporal punishment is outlawed by both
the Constitution and the South African Schools Act," spokesperson Charles
Phahlane said.
"The department encourages learners to
report instances of corporal punishment at schools."
The department became aware of the incident
after it was broadcast on the SABC around two weeks ago. Two parents had
complained that corporal punishment was used at the school. A preliminary
investigation was conducted and the decision was taken to suspend the teacher.
Her suspension was effective from March 15.
"Learners who are subjected to corporal
punishment at school should report the matter to the school principal and their
parents so that it can be handled in terms of procedure," Phahlane said,
Should the school principal fail to help the
parents, the matter should be reported to the department's district office or
to the head of the provincial education department.
"Educators have clear guidelines on how
to deal with discipline in schools without resorting to corporal
punishment."
Phahlane said the Glenbrack High matter would
be probed further before a decision on the way forward was taken.
The teacher's suspension comes after the
Congress of SA Students urged learners to "hit back" when the
corporal punishment was used on them. It also comes after a teacher was stabbed
by a 17-year-old pupil at a Soweto school.
South African Democratic Teachers' Union
(Sadtu) regional chairperson Moss Senye also appeared at Meadowlands
Magistrate's Court on Monday for allegedly assaulting a 17-year-old pupil last
month at Meadowlands High School - where he is the principal.
- SAPA
