
A Grade R teacher at Yellowwood Primary School in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain, drew praise for her calm response after shots were fired outside the school.
As first reported by the Daily Voice, a viral video shows the teacher guiding her pupils to lie flat on the floor with their eyes closed while she played soothing music to steady them.
A grandparent who posted the footage on TikTok said she was grateful the children remained safe and praised the teacher’s quick thinking.
She described the community’s hardship, saying many children arrive at school in worn clothing, and that she hands out sandwiches on Thursday mornings to help them.
The clip posted by Cape Flats Stories Facebook page has drawn strong online attention.
Bronagh Hammond of the Western Cape Education Department confirmed the shooting took place outside the school and said staff immediately put safety protocols in place.
The school followed its emergency procedures and the teacher shared the video to reassure parents via a class WhatsApp group.
The department acknowledged the toll such events take on educators, who often deal with trauma while supporting learners.
The incident underlines ongoing concerns about gang-related violence in many neighbourhoods and the importance of clear emergency training at schools.
Compiled by Angelica Rhoda
First published on Cape {Town} Etc
Also see: Eastern Cape Teacher Turns Classroom Into a Celebration, Wins Mzansi’s Heart