By: Poelano Malema
The Department of Basic Education has spoken out against a parent who was seen attacking a teacher.
Last week, a video went viral showing a parent beating up a teacher on the school premises. In the video, the parent can even be seen knocking her to the ground.
The incident took place at Phera Primary School in Tsetse Village near Mafikeng on Monday, 15 June 2021.
The 53-year-old female teacher was allegedly assaulted inside a Grade 6 classroom, after the parent accused her of turning back her two children from school. According to a statement released by the North West Department of Education, upon investigation the department found that the two learners never arrived at school as their names did not appear on the screeners register on the said day.
READ: Video of parent assaulting teacher goes viral
The North West Department of Education MEC Mmaphefo Matsemela has strongly condemned the incident.
MEC Mmaphefo Matsemela expressed her displeasure with the parent’s behaviour.
“On behalf of the department I would like to strongly condemn the alleged incident against one of our teachers. I am perturbed by the incident and the actions of this specific parent. Our teachers are beacons of hope and should be treated as such for their huge revolutionary role they play in educating our society,” MEC Matsemela said.
The department has asked parents to not mistreat teachers.
“As a department we plead with parents to protect teachers and not to cause any harm on them. Teachers should be treated as a scarce commodity which needs to be protected by the entire society”, said MEC Matsemela.
In a statement released by the department, it has announced that a team of psychologists have been sent to conduct counselling to both teachers and learners at the school. The teacher has reportedly opened an assault case.
READ: Driver faces disciplinary action after dumping boy (5) on roadside



