
Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the minds and futures of students. On the other hand, students have a responsibility to respect their educators, adhere to school rules, and actively engage in their education.
The teacher-student relationship is built on mutual respect and cooperation, which are essential for maintaining a positive learning environment. However, when this balance is disrupted, the classroom can become a space of conflict rather than learning.
According to Bloemfontein Courant, there’s a video circulating on social media which has sparked outrage and concern, showing a physical altercation between a teacher and a learner in a classroom, reportedly over a cell phone.
SundayWorld reports that the Free State Department of Education has launched an investigation into the fist fight between a teacher and a Grade 8 pupil at Hoër Tegniese Skool Welkom.
The publication further states that the Free State education spokesperson Howard Ndaba said the department and the province’s education MEC Dr Mantlhake Maboya condemn the disturbing clip which is currently circulating on the internet.
In a video posted by @KBS UJ and Wits Students on TikTok, viewers discussed clips of similar incidents where pupils are seen fighting with their teachers.
@ujandwitsstudents Learners fight teachers in schools. #teachershortage #teachers #sadtu #cosatu #southafrica #pedagogy #enca #wethenation #southafricantiktok🇿🇦 #foryou #SAMA28 #foryoupage #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #teacher #shortageofteachers ♬ original sound – KBS UJ and Wits Students
The comments revealed a range of opinions, with some users suggesting that “sometimes teachers push students.”
Another user said, ” The removal of corporal punishment left educators with no tangible and reliable alternative forms of discipline management.”
Another user added, “The question must be “why kids fight teachers?”
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