An Eastern Cape teacher faces disciplinary action after she was accused of throwing up and forcing Grade 2 pupils to clean it up at Nyibiba Primary School earlier last month.
Mahlubandile Qwase, the Head of Department (HoD) of Education in the Eastern Cape, has given the department the go-ahead to suspend the teacher out of caution until an investigation is thoroughly conducted.
According to Department of Education spokesperson, Mali Mtima, the teacher was suspended for egregious behaviour and endangering the health of primary school learners.
“The alleged misconduct happened at school, and due to its seriousness, Qwase has instructed the Joe Gqabi District Manager to put her on precautionary suspension immediately,” said Mtima.
Qwase said the purpose of the disciplinary measures is to safeguard the children. Additionally, he gave the district instructions to activate psychosocial support services for the learners who were allegedly forced to clean up the teacher’s mess.
“I find it very difficult to believe that a normal human being who is a parent and an educator can do such a thing to young children. The department will also rope in employee wellness to assist in assessing the fitness of the educator to be in class,” said Qwase.
