A George primary school teacher faces suspension after footage emerged showing her mocking a six-year-old pupil.
The incident took place at Thembalethu Primary School during a fundraising event. The teacher recorded the child sitting without food while classmates ate pies purchased through the initiative. The boy had no money to participate. His mother could not afford the contribution. The child covered his face in distress as the camera rolled.
“[That was done] purportedly to highlight that the learner was the only learner excluded from receiving goods purchased through a fundraising initiative,”
Western Cape education department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond told IOL on Wednesday night. The teacher shared the clip with the class parent group. Hammond described the conduct as totally inappropriate.
Department Responds With Suspension
Officials moved swiftly after community outrage erupted. The teacher was removed from the school pending a formal probe.
Hammond confirmed the suspension would remain in place throughout the investigation by the Labour Relations Directorate. The teacher had no prior disciplinary record. Department officials visited the school on Wednesday to address concerned community members.
“There was a protest outside the school today,”
Hammond said. Parents gathered demanding action against the educator. Teaching continued despite the demonstration outside the gates.
“[Department] officials engaged directly with protesters, and teaching and learning continued throughout the day.”
The department arranged counselling for the pupil and his parents. Hammond stressed their commitment to learner dignity.
“The [department] remains committed to ensuring that all learners are treated with dignity and care, and that appropriate professional conduct is upheld at all times.”
Fundraising Backlash And Public Support
The video triggered widespread condemnation across social media platforms. Many viewers expressed outrage at the public shaming of a vulnerable child.
Influencer Mandisi Tshingana launched a donation drive through his personal bank account. He appealed directly to followers for financial support. The response proved overwhelming.
Contributions poured in from sympathetic donors nationwide.
By publication time, the fund had exceeded R40 000. The groundswell of generosity transformed a moment of humiliation into tangible community solidarity. The money will support the family facing financial hardship.
The incident has reignited debate about fundraising practices in public schools. Critics argue such initiatives often exclude children from impoverished backgrounds. The department has launched a thorough investigation into the matter.
“A thorough investigation is now under way.”
Hammond confirmed the probe would examine both the filming and the subsequent sharing of the video. The teacher allegedly purchased a pie for the child only after recording had concluded. This detail emerged through departmental enquiries.
“It has since been established that the teacher had in fact purchased the fundraising item for the pupil, who received it after the filming of the video,”
she stated. The timing of this purchase has done little to quell public anger.