Concerns have been raised about learner dignity after a viral video showed a Grade 1 learner being humiliated by an educator over a school fundraising contribution. The teacher has since been suspended following outrage from the George community.

In the video, the rest of the class is seen eating pies and drinking cooldrink while a little boy covers his face as the teacher mocks him and instructs the rest of the class not to share with him. The teacher is also heard saying she cannot help it if the child’s mother did not contribute.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) stressed that the conduct of the educator was not on par with the department’s standards. WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond says the learner and his family have been offered counselling support.

Hammond further added that the department remains committed to ensuring that learners are treated with dignity at all times and that professional conduct is upheld.

“The WCED is aware of a disturbing viral video showing a Grade 1 learner filmed in class and portrayed as the only child who has not received a fundraising item. While the teacher later provided the learner with the item, the way in which this was handled is entirely inappropriate. The WCED has temporarily suspended the teacher pending a formal investigation.”

Following a protest outside the school yesterday, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) has called for calm in the area so that the matter can be dealt with through proper legal and administrative processes.

SADTU’s spokesperson Nomusa Cembi says the Union strongly condemned the incident and will ensure that the education department follows due process in investigating the matter and taking the necessary steps in line with applicable labour and professional regulations.

“While we defend the rights of educators, we equally believe that professionalism, care, and respect for the dignity of learners must always guide the conduct of educators.”