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By Rafieka Williams
KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka on Wednesday visited Dr. Joseph Shabalala High School in Ladysmith following public outcry over a viral video showing a teacher physically disciplining learners.
The clip, which has garnered more than one million views on X (formerly Twitter), shows a teacher raising his hands against three learners lined up at the front of a classroom while others watch.
The footage prompted swift action from the provincial education department.
On Wednesday morning, Hlomuka met with learners, educators, the School Governing Body (SGB), and the teachers’ unions during his visit.
“The necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of learners and to protect the integrity of the investigation and its outcome. These measures are meant to ensure stability in the school as all learners prepare for final exams,” he said afterwards.
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) condemned the use of violence in classrooms.
“SADTU does not condone violence against learners in any form,” said union spokesperson Nomusa Cembi.
However, Cembi cautioned against blanket criticism of teachers, noting that many face challenges with unruly learners, but maintained that physical punishment is unjustifiable.
Corporal punishment in schools is outlawed in South Africa.
However, a recent Stats SA report found that 40% of households with children still support its use in classrooms, with rural households more likely than urban ones to view it as acceptable.
“More households in rural areas than urban areas had perceptions that it was acceptable for children to be physically punished for breaking the rules,” the report said.
Link to video: https://x.com/zanewsflash/status/1962793980342509687?s=46&t=sAkwO42qu_SM2NeCbQPBlQ
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