Pretoria - An educator from Glenbrack High School, who allegedly used corporal punishment on learners, has been placed on precautionary suspension.
The Gauteng Department of Education placed the suspension with effect from 15 March 2011, whilst investigating possible charges for a disciplinary hearing against the educator.
Department spokesperson Charles Phahlane said corporal punishment was outlawed by both the Constitution and the South African Schools Act. He encouraged learners to report instances of corporal punishment at schools.
"Learners who are subjected to corporal punishment at school should report the matter to the school principal and their parents so that it can be handled in terms of procedure.
"If the principal does not assist, they should report the matter to the district office or the Head of the Gauteng Department of Education," Phahlane said, adding that educators have clear guidelines on how to deal with discipline in schools without resorting to corporal punishment.
