Western Cape Teacher Suspended After Viral Video Shows Grade 1 Pupil Singled Out From Pie Feast

A teacher at Thembalethu Primary School has been temporarily suspended after a video showing a Grade 1 learner being singled out during a classroom fundraising activity sparked widespread outrage online.

The footage, which quickly circulated on social media, was reportedly recorded by the class teacher and later shared in a parents’ WhatsApp group.

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In the video, the young learner appears to be the only child in the classroom who did not receive a pie and cool drink that other pupils had purchased as part of the school’s fundraising initiative.

The clip triggered strong public reaction and led to protests outside the school.

Education department launches investigation into “disturbing”  teacher incident

The Western Cape Education Department confirmed it is investigating the matter.

Spokesperson Bronagh Hammond described the footage as deeply concerning.

“The Western Cape Education Department is aware of a disturbing viral video involving a Grade 1 learner who was filmed in class by a class teacher,” Hammond said.

According to the department, the teacher had filmed and shared the video with the parents’ group to show that the learner had not received the fundraising item.

However, officials later established that the teacher did buy the item for the learner and that it was given to the child after the video had been recorded.

“The manner in which this was done, however, was totally inappropriate,” Hammond added.

Community protests as donations pour in for pupil

The incident has angered parents and members of the community, with demonstrators gathering outside the school on Wednesday to demand action.

Education department officials were sent to the school to speak with protesters, while teaching and learning continued during the day.

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“The [department] remains committed to ensuring that all learners are treated with dignity and care, and that appropriate professional conduct is upheld at all times. A thorough investigation is now under way,” Hammond said.

The teacher has since been temporarily removed from the school while the department’s Labour Relations Directorate conducts its investigation.

Meanwhile, social media users rallied around the learner after influencer Mandisi Tshingana encouraged people to donate money to support the child.

By the time of publication, more than R40,000 had reportedly been raised.