A Mpumalanga teacher has been suspended after a shocking video of her violently cutting a learner’s braids in class went viral on social media.
The incident, which occurred at LD Moetanalo High School in Mhluzi outside Middleburg, has sparked outrage and condemnation from the Department of Education and the public alike.
The video, which has been widely shared on Twitter, shows the teacher, dressed in a black dress, pulling a learner’s hair and threatening to cut it with a pair of scissors.
The other learners in the classroom can be heard screaming and laughing as the teacher’s actions unfold.
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Shocking video footage of a teacher pulling a learner by her hair and threatening to cut her hair with a pair of scissors pic.twitter.com/J5ZnitnAkQ
— Middelburg Observer (@MiddelburgNews) August 22, 2024
The Mpumalanga Department of Education has condemned the teacher’s actions in the strongest terms, describing them as “unacceptable” and “inappropriate”. The department has initiated an investigation into the incident, as the facts leading up to the altercation remain unclear.
“Teachers are expected to conduct themselves appropriately and professionally as guided by their professional ethics and conduct according to SACE. They are supposed to be mindful of the Bill of Rights and always act in the best interests of learners,” said Jasper Zwane, the department spokesperson.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the department has placed the teacher on precautionary suspension with immediate effect. The department has also pledged to provide psychosocial counselling to the victimized learner and any other learners affected by the incident.
“The Department will also reflect on the school’s code of conduct for learners as part of the investigation process,” Zwane added. “The Department will provide more information on the matter once the investigation is concluded.”
The incident has ignited a heated debate about the role of teachers in upholding the rights and dignity of learners. Many have expressed outrage at the teacher’s actions, arguing that her behaviour is a clear violation of the learner’s rights and a breach of trust.