WCED probes allegations that Cape Town teacher targeted Grade 3 learner

A Cape Town mother claims her nine-year-old asthmatic son was bullied and victimised by his teacher after he told her that Grade 3 learners were allegedly made to sit outside in the cold and wind when they failed to complete their homework.

The mother, who asked that their names be withheld, says she took up her son’s allegations with the school, where the teacher was also present.

She claims the situation changed after the complaint, with the teacher allegedly becoming upset and targeting her son.

“Ever since this incident, she has been targeting and emotionally abusing him,” the mother said.

She said the teacher allegedly became emotional in front of the entire class and told the learners that her son had made her sad.

She claims her son later told her that the other learners asked him why he had made the teacher sad before allegedly ganging up on him.

“All the children ganged up on him and hit him hard on his head. They also pulled his clothes,” she said.

“How dare she! This is plain manipulation, childish and absolutely unacceptable for a teacher to use Grade 3 children to attack my son,” the mother added.

“I’m furious as a mother because my son is on chronic medication and is asthmatic. The teacher feels the need to abuse him in this way.”

Her son has since been moved to a different class, but the mother is adamant that the teacher’s alleged conduct must be addressed.

Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed the school and district office are aware of the allegations.

“A complaint was received and the matter was escalated through the appropriate departmental channels. Following engagement with the school and parent, the matter was referred to Labour Relations for investigation,” Hammond said.

She said the matter remains under investigation and confirmed that the learner has temporarily been moved to another class.

“The school and district office continue to monitor the situation and provide support as required. The Department takes all concerns relating to learner wellbeing seriously and they will be considered through the appropriate processes,” she said.