Johannesburg – Teachers at Laerskool Generaal De La Rey in Johannesburg have called for urgent intervention after a Grade 7 learner allegedly threw a container of urine over a female teacher, amid growing concerns about discipline and safety at the school.
According to The Citizen, the South African Teachers’ Union (SAOU) said disciplinary problems had escalated from verbal abuse and threats to the alleged urine attack. Another learner was also allegedly found with a dangerous object at the school.
SAOU spokesperson Dems Nel said: “The school, staff and pupils have struggled with cases of pupils’ ill-discipline, which conduct has escalated to verbal abuse and threats and resulted in a teacher being thrown with urine by a pupil and another pupil bringing a dangerous object to school.”
Nel said teachers had sought help from the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), but alleged an official told them to “deal with it yourself”.
Disciplinary process
The GDE confirmed that it was aware of the incident and said disciplinary proceedings were under way.
Department spokesperson Onwabile Lubhelwana said: “The school governing body [SGB] is currently undertaking disciplinary processes in terms of the South African Schools Act, as amended.”
District officials have also visited the school to assist with the disciplinary process, while psychosocial support has been provided.
The SAOU has formally called on the department to address what it described as “hostile, unsafe and untenable working conditions” and ensure teachers receive adequate protection and support.
The incident comes amid wider concerns over school safety in Gauteng, with the department continuing searches at schools to remove prohibited and dangerous items.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
