The teacher who klapped a schoolgirl at San Souci Girls High School will know her fate by next week.
The Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, confirmed that the 33-year-old teacher was to appear before the school’s disciplinary committee last night.
“The disciplinary hearing is taking place tonight (Thursday) at 6pm. The decision will, however, only be communicated next week after the SGB ratifies their decision,” Hammond said.
The South African Teachers Union say it’s fully behind the teacher.
SATU Chief Executive Chris Klopper says they will assist the teacher in the process.
“We had a long interview with her and we came to the understanding that she is upset and uncertain of what may emanate from the process, and that is understandable because it is a serious incident and it is all over the news and social media,” Klopper said.
“She is our member and we will do what we need to do, as we would with any other member.
“We have to give her what is due to her.
“We have appointed an astute senior counsel, as well as an external lawyer to deal with the matter.”
Last week the WCED confirmed that both the student and the teacher had been suspended pending disciplinary action.
Police confirmed both the learner and teacher opened counter charges of assault against each other following their physical altercation which was recorded by a learner and went viral last week.
The video shows the girl and teacher in the classroom. The learner is being scolded for not having a book.
The teen then takes out her cellphone in front of the teacher. The teacher dismisses her and asks her to leave.
The altercation gets heated when the girl allegedly swears at the teacher and the learner can be seen shoving her desk into the teacher.
The teacher, who was appointed by the school’s governing body, then responds by smacking her through the face.