Cape Town – A primary school teacher at Thembalethu Primary School in the Western Cape has been temporarily suspended after a viral video showed a Grade 1 learner being singled out in class during a fundraising activity, sparking public outrage and protests outside the school.
The incident, which was filmed by the class teacher and later circulated in a parents’ WhatsApp group, shows the learner being singled out as the only child who did not receive a pie and a cool drink purchased by other pupils.
The video quickly spread on social media, prompting widespread criticism and calls for accountability.
Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), told Drum that the department is aware of the “disturbing” footage and has since launched a formal investigation into the matter.
“The Western Cape Education Department is aware of a disturbing viral video involving a Grade 1 learner who was filmed in class by a class teacher,” Hammond said.
She explained that the teacher had recorded and shared the video with the class parent group, allegedly to show that the learner had been excluded from receiving goods purchased through a school fundraising initiative.
@ya_wa06 if ngu mzali wakho lo ufundisa apha umxelele ndithe ukhohlakele intliziyo yakhe imdaka ngase agxhothwe nakulo msebenzi wakhe .
However, the department later established that the teacher had, in fact, bought the fundraising item for the learner, who received it after the video was filmed. “The manner in which this was done, however, was totally inappropriate,” Hammond added.
The incident has sparked strong reactions from parents and community members, with a protest held outside the school on Wednesday. WCED officials engaged directly with the demonstrators while teaching and learning continued throughout the day.
The teacher is currently not at the school, and the department has decided to temporarily suspend her while the Labour Relations Directorate conducts a formal investigation.
Hammond noted that the teacher has no previous disciplinary record.
In the wake of the incident, the WCED has also offered counselling to the learner and their parents.
“The WCED remains committed to ensuring that all learners are treated with dignity and care, and that appropriate professional conduct is upheld at all times. A thorough investigation is now under way,” Hammond said. The department aims to resolve the matter swiftly and ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
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