Pupils at a school in Mpumalanga were so tired of being beaten by teachers that one pupil used a cellphone to record a teacher beating two girls.
Corporal punishment is the norm at Vukuqhakaze Secondary School in Leandra near Secunda, pupils said, despite the practice being outlawed in the country.
They said they hoped the video would be used as evidence.
In the video seen by the Sowetan, a female teacher uses a black stick to smack two girls in full view of classmates.
Three pupils who spoke on condition of anonymity said the teacher had also beaten other children in the class that day.
"At times we do not even know why we are being beaten up," said a matric pupil. "Our teachers beat us up because they know that we will not report them. Pupils are beaten for failing to submit homework, getting the wrong answer. In fact, we are beaten for everything.
"There are pupils who stay at home because they may have not completed their work and are scared that they would be beaten up," said another pupil.
Another pupil said they were sick of the treatment they were receiving but were afraid to speak out for fear of victimisation.
Mpumalanga education spokesman Gerald Sambo sent a strong warning to teachers who still used corporal punishment.
"Those who conduct themselves outside the policy framework are bound to be struck off the roll by the South African Council for Educators. In the past the department has taken a firm stand on incidences that are reported and will continue to do so.
"This is done to send a clear message that such practices will at no stage be tolerated," Sambo said.
He said two teachers from a school in the Nkomazi municipality were on suspension for allegedly beating a pupil.
"The teachers have already appeared before a disciplinary committee and await a decision on what steps will be taken."
Sambo said though the department was not aware corporal punishment was still being practised at Vukuqhakaze, it would investigate.
"Corporal punishment of learners has been outlawed, as such the department will condemn anyone who inflicts it to the learners," he said.
In June 2012, Mpumalanga MEC for education Reginah Mhaule fired and banned a teacher who allegedly beat a seven-year-old pupil with a broomstick.
Sibongile Monica Mashaba allegedly assaulted Sebenele Ndlovu, a pupil at Sidlemu Primary School in Mangweni Trust near Tonga on June 3 for missing school on June 1. He died at home on June 8 as a result of his injuries.
mashabas@sowetan.co.za
Pupils record their beating
Pupils at a school in Mpumalanga were so tired of being beaten by teachers that one pupil used a cellphone to record a teacher beating two girls.
Corporal punishment is the norm at Vukuqhakaze Secondary School in Leandra near Secunda, pupils said, despite the practice being outlawed in the country.
They said they hoped the video would be used as evidence.
In the video seen by the Sowetan, a female teacher uses a black stick to smack two girls in full view of classmates.
Three pupils who spoke on condition of anonymity said the teacher had also beaten other children in the class that day.
"At times we do not even know why we are being beaten up," said a matric pupil. "Our teachers beat us up because they know that we will not report them. Pupils are beaten for failing to submit homework, getting the wrong answer. In fact, we are beaten for everything.
"There are pupils who stay at home because they may have not completed their work and are scared that they would be beaten up," said another pupil.
Another pupil said they were sick of the treatment they were receiving but were afraid to speak out for fear of victimisation.
Mpumalanga education spokesman Gerald Sambo sent a strong warning to teachers who still used corporal punishment.
"Those who conduct themselves outside the policy framework are bound to be struck off the roll by the South African Council for Educators. In the past the department has taken a firm stand on incidences that are reported and will continue to do so.
"This is done to send a clear message that such practices will at no stage be tolerated," Sambo said.
He said two teachers from a school in the Nkomazi municipality were on suspension for allegedly beating a pupil.
"The teachers have already appeared before a disciplinary committee and await a decision on what steps will be taken."
Sambo said though the department was not aware corporal punishment was still being practised at Vukuqhakaze, it would investigate.
"Corporal punishment of learners has been outlawed, as such the department will condemn anyone who inflicts it to the learners," he said.
In June 2012, Mpumalanga MEC for education Reginah Mhaule fired and banned a teacher who allegedly beat a seven-year-old pupil with a broomstick.
Sibongile Monica Mashaba allegedly assaulted Sebenele Ndlovu, a pupil at Sidlemu Primary School in Mangweni Trust near Tonga on June 3 for missing school on June 1. He died at home on June 8 as a result of his injuries.
mashabas@sowetan.co.za
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