The department strongly condemned all forms of violence against learners, reiterating that corporal punishment remains illegal in South African schools. The teacher is expected to appear in the local magistrate’s court soon.

The educator was arrested on Wednesday (13/5) following allegations of corporal punishment involving a Grade 3 learner, the department confirmed. The learner was allegedly assaulted on Monday (11/5) at the school in Intabazwe, Harrismith.

The department remains committed to ensuring that schools are safe and nurturing environments where children are protected from harm, said Free State education spokesperson Howard Ndaba. He cannot comment further while the matter is under investigation and before the courts to avoid prejudicing due process.

“We call on community members to remain calm and allow the legal process to take its course. The teacher is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law. We further implore the public to refrain from circulating videos depicting the teacher being escorted by police.”

Sharing such material risks may prejudice the legal process and may inflame tensions within the community. Support has been mobilized for the learner, who will receive psychosocial support to address any trauma arising from the incident, he said.

The incident has once again placed the spotlight on the continued use of corporal punishment in South African schools despite it being outlawed more than two decades ago. The Abolishing of Corporal Punishment Act, No. 33 of 1997, officially banned corporal punishment in schools, making any physical punishment of learners unlawful.

However, reports and studies over the years have shown that corporal punishment remains prevalent in some schools across the country. Among learners who reported experiencing violence at school, corporal punishment by teachers remains one of the most common forms of abuse.

Education spokesperson Howard Ndaba said the department is conducting its own investigation. Photo supplied

Minister of basic education Siviwe Gwarube has repeatedly emphasized corporal punishment is unconstitutional and violates a child’s rights to dignity, freedom, and security.

The department is conducting its own investigation into the incident to determine the appropriate course of action, including the possibility of instituting internal disciplinary proceedings in line with departmental policy and the Employment of Educators Act, said Ndaba.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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