Soil of Africa civic movements members photos by Dimakatso Modipa
By Bongani Ramontja
National chairperson of Soil of Africa
Soil of Africa vehemently condemns the appalling incident of corporal punishment at Soshanguve South Secondary School, where learners were brutally beaten by community members allegedly summoned by the school principal.
A trending video on May 19, 2025, exposes the horrific scene, with teachers standing by, failing to intervene.
This barbaric act is a stark reminder of the pervasive culture of violence in some Tshwane schools.
As an organization, we will not tolerate such atrocities.
The principal’s actions constitute an egregious abuse of power, and the community members involved have taken the law into their own hands.
Section 10 of the South African Schools Act (Act 84 of 1996) explicitly prohibits corporal punishment.
The Constitution of South Africa, Section 12(1)(c), guarantees the right to freedom from all forms of violence.
The Department of Education’s response to this incident is woefully inadequate.
Soil of Africa demands:
1.Immediate suspension of the principal pending investigation
2.Arrest and prosecution of community members involved in the video
3.Suspension of teachers who failed to intervene
4.Dismissal and revocation of the principal’s qualifications if allegations are substantiated
5.Thorough investigation and accountability from the Department of Education
We will not stand idly by while learners are subjected to such brutality.
It’s time for collective action to protect our children’s rights and dignity.
We issue a 24-hour ultimatum:
The principal and teachers involved must be suspended, and community members must be arrested within 24 hours.
Failure to comply will lead to intensified action, including protests and further mobilization.
We are coming for you, Soshanguve South Secondary School.
We will hold you accountable for every bruise, every tear, and every shattered dream.
The era of silence is over; the era of action has begun.