A Durban high school teacher has landed in hot water over remarks she made in her classroom, comparing her pupils’ behaviour to that of President Jacob Zuma.

The incident, for which the Reservoir Hills Secondary School teacher has been given a written warning, happened on Tuesday last week.

A parent who would not be named, said that the pupils had become noisy when the Grade 8 teacher had turned her back to them to write on the chalkboard. When the teacher turned back to them, the pupils quietened down.

“She asked the children why they were acting innocently, like their president. One of the children asked which president she was referring to and she responded ‘the stupid one, Jacob Zuma’. The pupil asked what their behaviour had to do with Zuma and the teacher said they were ‘not having a political debate’.”

Apparently, the teacher later commented that she had forgotten that she should watch her mouth because there were Zuma supporters in the classroom and she might get shot for her words. The matter was reported to the principal.

“What shocked the children is that they are 14 years old and have never even voted for the man. On what basis are they being compared to or associated with the president?”

Education Department spokeswoman Mbali Thusi said that the department was looking into the matter.

By Sinegugu Ndlovu, originally published by IOL

Department of Education, politics