The IFP recently learnt with shock of the horrific incident of a learner that was brutally assaulted by an educator at Sibongindlela High School in Folweni in 2019.
A Sibongindlela High School educator in Folweni, south of Durban, is alleged to have instructed the learner to hold out his fist, following which he was brutally assaulted and beaten over the knuckles with a chalkboard eraser (duster). Since this incident occurred in 2019, the learner has been in and out of hospital. His condition became more complicated as pus formed in his injured hand after wires were inserted in hospital. According to the victim’s mother, this incident has left her son partially paralysed and devastated.
The victim’s mother further stated that her child was compelled to drop out of school, as his schoolmates were teasing him with derogatory terms like “sandlana”. She alleges that after this incident, her son struggles to bath himself, as he can only use his uninjured hand.
The victim’s mother advised that she had reported this matter to the KZN Education MEC, Hon. Kwazi Mshengu, who merely referred her to the Umlazi Education District Manager, where she received no assistance.
The IFP in the KZN Caucus is outraged at this kind of behaviour by the education authorities and the Department in the province.
Corporal punishment has long been outlawed in South Africa. After hearing about this matter, the Hon. VF Hlabisa, Leader of the Official Opposition and President of the IFP, instructed Hon. M Khawula (MPL) and Hon. Lourens de Klerk (MPL) to gather facts and thereafter ensure that justice is served on the matter. All those involved in the incident will be taken to task. Further, all those involved in sweeping the matter under the carpet for almost two years will also face the music in court.
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Contact:
Hon. Mntomuhle Khawula – 071 207 9445
Hon. Lourens de Klerk – 082 557 1579