A Grade 1 teacher at Mzamomtsha Primary School in Driftsands fears for her life after she was allegedly assaulted by a colleague during an apparent management meeting at the school.
The meeting had been called by the victim so management could intervene in an issue that work-related.
She has since taken leave and was “scared” to return to the school’s “toxic” environment.
Nonzukiso Khungwayo-Stefane, claims another female teacher slapped her in the face on Wednesday 18 May and is waiting for the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to deal with the matter.
“Usihlobule isidima sam, wandirhuqa eludakeni,” she lamented. “I am scared and anxious to go to that school again as the environment is toxic. To be smacked so hard in the presence of the management. It means this lady is capable of doing anything.”
Khungwayo-Stefane alleges both the principal of the school and the department are yet to come to her rescue. “Ndisendlini fearing for my life and stressing,” she said. “My health condition doesn’t need such stress as well.”
Khungwayo-Stefane believes the school management failed her. “They knew how this teacher was performing last year, then they decided to ukumzisa apha on Grade 1 for me to mentor her. To me bathe bakoyisakala or bakungafuni to do what they are supposed to do to a teacher who is not performing, bandinika more work, putting my life at risk.”
Police spokesperson WO November Filander confirmed that a case of common assault was open at Mfuleni after a female suspect assaulted another female victim during a school teacher’s meeting on Wednesday 18 May.
Filander said further details on the matter were not available. comment pending
Millicent Merton, Directorate of Communication at the Western Cape Education Department said an altercation between the two educators was reported to the district and the matter was referred to Employee Relations.
“The educator (culprit) is currently away from school for two weeks on a training course,” she said. “The educator has not been at school since the incident and the circuit office has been in contact with her via email.” Such behaviour cannot be condoned and does not reflect the values of an educational institution, Merton said.
Commenting on the victim being scared to go back to the school, she said: “This aspect will receive urgent attention as soon as we are able to meet with the educators involved.”
On whether the department has offered any counselling to the victim, Merton said the educator will be directed to the Employee Health and Wellness Programme as soon as she gives her consent.