A shocking video showing unruly learners from Hoër Tegniese Skool in Klerksdorp humiliating a teacher has gone viral, sparking outrage across the country and renewing calls for urgent action against school violence and teacher abuse.
The North West Department of Education confirmed that the incident took place on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, when a group of learners entered the school restrooms dressed in overalls and balaclavas, disrupting the teaching and learning environment.
When a teacher attempted to intervene and encourage the learners to return to class, the situation escalated. The video shows learners pouring water on the teacher before pelting him with pieces of paper while laughing and mocking him.
School staff rushed to the scene to secure the premises and restore order. Normal classes resumed shortly thereafter, but the incident has left the school community shaken.
The School Management Team (SMT) convened an urgent meeting on Wednesday, 20 August 2025, where it was resolved that all involved learners be suspended for five days pending a formal disciplinary process. The School Governing Body (SGB) also summoned the parents of the learners to inform them of the suspension and disciplinary hearings.
North West Education MEC Viola Motsumi strongly condemned the incident, calling it “barbaric and unacceptable.”
“We are not going to tolerate learners who assault our teachers. They do not belong in our schools,” Motsumi said. “I have instructed the School Governing Body of this school to take drastic steps against these learners. The disciplinary measures taken should send a clear message to others never to attempt such horrible behaviour.”
Motsumi further directed that counselling be provided to both teachers and learners affected by the incident.
The viral video has reignited debate about the safety of teachers in South African schools. According to the South African Council for Educators (SACE), at least 1,600 cases of teacher abuse by learners were reported between 2022 and 2024, ranging from verbal harassment to physical assault.
A 2024 study by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) revealed that one in four teachers in South Africa has experienced some form of abuse or violence at school, with incidents more prevalent in urban and township schools. The study also found that teachers who experience abuse often suffer long-term emotional and psychological trauma, leading to burnout and resignations.
Teacher unions have repeatedly warned that educators are becoming “soft targets” in classrooms, as disciplinary systems collapse and authority is eroded.
The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) described the Klerksdorp incident as a “national disgrace.”
“It is unacceptable that teachers, who are entrusted with shaping the future of our children, are being ridiculed and humiliated in this manner,” said SADTU. “Learners must face the full might of disciplinary measures, including expulsion if necessary.”
The Federation of School Governing Bodies of South Africa (FEDSAS) echoed the call, saying that parents must take greater responsibility for their children’s behaviour.
Parents and community members expressed mixed feelings, with some demanding harsher punishment while others urged rehabilitation.
“I think suspension is not enough. These children must be expelled. We cannot have learners turning schools into war zones,” said one parent outside the school.
Another community member suggested counselling and restorative justice. “They are still young. They must be taught respect rather than being thrown out of school permanently.”
Spokesperson for the Department of Education in the North West, Mphata Molokwane, assured the public that a thorough investigation was underway.
“The disciplinary process will follow departmental policies and the school’s code of conduct. We remain committed to ensuring schools are safe spaces where discipline and respect are upheld,” Molokwane said.
As the video continues to circulate on social media, sparking widespread debate, the incident underscores the growing crisis of violence and indiscipline in schools—a crisis that many say requires urgent national intervention.
