Pretoria – The South African Council for Educators (SACE) has condemned the continued use of corporal punishment in schools, following the death of Grade 10 learner Sizwe Kubheka.
Kubeka passed away on Tuesday at Sebokeng Hospital, a week after he was allegedly beaten by a teacher on March 17 at the Tharaballo Secondary School.
“The SACE wishes to send its condolences to the bereaved family of Sizwe Kubheka. It was with deep regret that we learnt of the sudden passing on of this learner allegedly after being assaulted by the educator,” said the council in a statement on Thursday.
The council said it condemned in the strongest possible terms the continued use of corporal punishment and assault of learners at schools.
“As a matter of extreme urgency we will be sending our panel of investigators to attend to this matter and take the necessary corrective measures,” it said.
The teacher is accused of hitting the Grade 10 learner with a belt for making a noise while discussing a textbook during a lesson.
According to media reports the teacher appeared in the Sebokeng Magistrate’s Court on Thursday where he was released, pending investigations. – SAnews.gov.za
