A primary school teacher in Thembalethu, near George in the Western Cape, has been suspended following widespread outrage over a viral video allegedly showing a Grade 1 learner being mocked for not being able to afford a pie during a school fundraising event.
The incident, which reportedly took place at Thembalethu Primary School, quickly sparked anger among parents, community members and social media users after the video circulated in a school WhatsApp group before spreading widely online.
According to reports, the video shows the young learner sitting at his desk while other pupils eat pies that were sold as part of a fundraising activity known as “pie day.” In the footage, the teacher can allegedly be heard making remarks about the child not having a pie and instructing other learners not to share their food with him.
The situation becomes even more emotional in the clip as the little boy is seen covering his eyes while classmates continue eating at their desks. Many viewers described the scene as heartbreaking and humiliating for such a young child.
Following the backlash, the Western Cape Education Department confirmed that the teacher had been suspended while an official investigation into the matter is carried out. Education authorities said the suspension is a precautionary step while they assess what exactly happened and whether disciplinary action will follow.
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“The matter is being taken seriously and is currently under investigation,” the department said in a statement.
The department also confirmed that psychological support will be provided to the learner and his family to help them cope with the emotional impact of the incident.
The video has triggered strong reactions across the local community. On Wednesday, hundreds of angry residents gathered outside the school gates to protest and demand accountability. Many parents said they were shocked that a teacher would allegedly shame such a young child over something related to money.
More than 500 people reportedly attended the demonstration, including parents, local activists and members of political organisations. Protesters called for the immediate dismissal of the teacher and urged education authorities to ensure that learners are treated with dignity and respect in schools.
Community members expressed concern about the lasting emotional damage the incident may have caused the child. Some parents also raised broader concerns about poverty-related stigma in schools and the need for educators to be more sensitive when dealing with fundraising activities that may exclude learners from disadvantaged families.
Child rights advocates have also weighed in, stressing that schools should be safe and supportive environments where children are protected from humiliation and bullying — especially by adults in positions of authority.
Meanwhile, the school has urged the public to allow the investigation process to run its course. Officials said they will cooperate fully with the education department as it determines the facts surrounding the incident.
The investigation is expected to examine the video, statements from witnesses and the teacher’s conduct during the fundraising activity.
As the matter unfolds, many in the community say they hope the situation will lead to greater awareness about the emotional wellbeing of young learners and the responsibilities teachers carry in shaping a positive school environment.
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