The North West education community has been left stunned after a disturbing video circulated widely on social media, capturing a group of learners at Hoër Tegniese Skool in Klerksdorp aggressively targeting a teacher. The footage, recorded on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, shows pupils throwing objects at the teacher before one of them drenches him with a bucket of water.
According to the North West Department of Education, the incident unfolded when a group of pupils, wearing overalls and balaclavas, stormed the school’s restrooms and disrupted classroom proceedings. The school’s leadership confirmed the authenticity of the video and described the events as not only premeditated but deeply concerning.
In the footage, the male teacher can be seen calmly trying to restore order, urging learners to return to their classrooms. His appeals, however, were ignored. Instead, he was ridiculed and bombarded with paper missiles before being ambushed from behind by a pupil who poured water over him. The video has since drawn widespread outrage from the public and education officials alike.
North West Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Education, Viola Motsumi, issued a firm rebuke, denouncing the actions of the pupils in the strongest possible terms.
“We are not going to tolerate learners who assault our teachers, they do not belong in our schools,”
Motsumi declared.
“I have instructed the School Governing Body (SGB) of this school to take drastic steps against these learners. The disciplinary measures taken should send a clear message to others never to attempt such horrible behaviour,”
she added.
Questions have arisen over how such an orchestrated disruption could occur during school hours. The department acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and emphasised the need for accountability. In response to the incident, the school’s management took swift action. On the following day, Wednesday, an urgent meeting was convened by the School Management Team (SMT), leading to the immediate suspension of the learners involved.
“This suspension is an interim measure pending the outcome of a formal disciplinary process as per the school’s code of conduct,”
Motsumi confirmed.
⚠️ NOT FOR SENSITIVE VIEWERS: Learners from Hoër Tegniese Skool in Klerksdorp, accused of abusing a teacher by pouring water and papers on him, have been suspended for five days. Vid: NW Education. @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/r0Obo72WpI
— 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) August 22, 2025
Parents of the implicated pupils were informed promptly. Education officials further indicated that this initial disciplinary action is just the beginning of a broader internal process guided by the department’s policy framework.
While the physical harm to the teacher remains unreported, the psychological toll on both educators and learners is under consideration. Motsumi has instructed the relevant district officials to ensure that both staff and pupils affected by the ordeal receive the necessary support.
“The disciplinary process will continue according to departmental policies and the school’s code of conduct,”
she reiterated, expressing a clear commitment to long-term disciplinary integrity.
The department also reasserted its broader responsibility to uphold safety and discipline within all schools in the province.
“The department remains committed to fostering an environment where discipline and safety are paramount,”
Motsumi concluded.
