The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape says it will write a letter to the MEC for Education, Grizelda Cjiekella, to ask that the education department takes urgent action in all reported cases of teacher abuse and assaults at schools in the province.

This after a teacher at a Kimberley high school was allegedly locked in a computer room where she was assaulted and verbally abused by her school principal.

The DA’s Dr Allen Grootboom says they are concerned about the attacks on teachers in the workplace.

“Firstly is because we have a problem of some teachers and some principals who are untouchables because of their position within the union and because of the allegiance and connection with the top structure. Once you don’t have those bindings, you are pushed around like a little pony.”

Grootboom adds: “One thing that is good here is that the educators themselves took it upon themselves to go to the department to present the department with a memorandum.”

However, the department of education in the province says the matter has been reported and a team comprising of labour has been tasked to look into the issues around it.

Departmental spokesperson, Sydney Stander, says schools are supposed to be friendly environments.

“We really condemn the incidence where teachers themselves are made or are belittled by the conduct of school managers and in this case without really saying he is guilty, we will look into it and take the necessary action.”
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