The North West MEC for Education, Dr Sebonta Francinah Desbo Mohono, has strongly condemned incidents of learner misconduct directed at educators at Batlhaping Secondary School and Mankuroane Technical School in Taung. The Department has been informed of an incident at Batlhaping Secondary School, where a Grade 9 learner allegedly insulted a teacher during a classroom session. The matter was subsequently reported to the school management after school hours, by which time the learner had already left the school premises.
The school principal immediately informed the School Governing Body, which is expected to convene at the school to address the matter. The learner will be issued with a precautionary suspension pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing. The Department will ensure that the affected educator receives the necessary psychosocial support through the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). At the same time, the learner will also be provided with the necessary psychosocial support and appropriate interventions.
The Department believes that disciplinary processes and psychosocial support must work together to address behavioural challenges and promote a safe and conducive learning environment. Meanwhile, MEC Mohono has also expressed serious concern over another incident involving Mankuroane Technical School, also in Taung, following the circulation of a social media video allegedly showing a learner attacking a teacher.
MEC Mohono said the Department strongly condemns any form of violence, intimidation, abuse or disrespect directed at educators and emphasised that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Our teachers must be able to carry out their responsibilities in an environment that is safe, respectful and conducive to teaching and learning. While we remain committed to providing the necessary support and interventions to our learners, violent and unacceptable behaviour against educators will not be tolerated,” said MEC Mohono.
The Department will work with the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC), social workers, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant stakeholders to provide support and interventions for affected teachers, learners and the broader school communities. The MEC has called upon parents, communities, School Governing Bodies and all education stakeholders to work collectively with the Department to instil discipline, respect and positive values among learners.
The Department reiterates that schools must remain safe spaces where the dignity and rights of both educators and learners are protected.
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