Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane supports the dismissal of a grade 8 substitute teacher at Crawford International Pretoria College who was seen to be promoting racism.
He was recorded by learners in a classroom, and the video has since gone viral.
It was reported that the educator was teaching provocative language and allegedly told learners that they must not be hurt when the “K-word” is used on them, because they were not affected by apartheid.
Following the incident, the department visited the school on Wednesday to gather more facts about the incident.
“Reports state that the incident occurred on Monday, July 24 during an English class. The video footage, taken by learners in class, showed the educator writing racism remarks on a whiteboard,” said the department.
“The footage surfaced on social media later that afternoon and the 82-year-old substitute teacher was dismissed by the school that same evening.
“Her actions are vehemently unacceptable and have undeniable racist undertones, which will not be tolerated in any aspect of our education sector.
“The teacher will also be reported to the South African Council for Educators for necessary investigation and deregistration, so that she is not allowed to teach.”
The department noted that it is encouraging that the school has begun providing counselling to the learners affected by the incident.
Chiloane said the school also undertook to review its recruitment measures to avoid enlisting candidates who may potentially threaten the delivery of quality education and learning.
“It is distasteful to see individuals who we have entrusted the education of our children with use that valuable time to push their own villainous agendas and poison the minds of our learners,” said Chiloane.
“We condemn, in the strongest sense, the behaviour of this educator and any others who may want to behave in such an unpalatable manner.
“We applaud the school for taking a swift decision to remove this educator immediately and being keen to take further remedial steps of action alongside the department.”
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