A NEW video of a teacher seen using corporal punishment has made waves on social media.
The video was taken by a pupil at St Mark’s International School in Mbombela, Mpumalanga.
It shows the teacher beating four boys in a classroom.
He calls them to the front one by one before hitting them on the hand with a cane.
Other pupils can be heard cheering in the background as each of the four gets a turn.
Corporal punishment has been outlawed at schools since the Abolition of Corporal Punishment Act was passed in parliament 20 years ago.
But many teachers across the country still practise it.
Mpumalanga Education spokesman Jasper Zwane said they were aware of the video.
He also said the incident is being investigated.
“The department has seen the video making the rounds and is concerned with what it displays.
“We have written to the independent school in question for a full report to explain how it will deal with the teacher,” he said.
“The department strongly condemns the use of corporal punishment to promote discipline at schools.
“It encourages pupils, parents and residents to report such incidents when they happen.”
Many people on social media had very strong reactions to the video.
Here are some of the Facebook comments:
- Aubrey Shabangu said: “I wonder if the teacher knows he could lose his job for this!”
- Mpilonde Ka-Mashobane wrote: “Ancyl deputy president Desmond Moela, this is unacceptable, my leader. Let there be an intervention.”
- Godfrey Mashabane said: “No, this is not acceptable. Such things are not allowed.”
- Thalley Nxumalo also said: “This is unacceptable.”