GQEBERHA – A Primary school principal is facing an investigation following allegations that he slapped a Grade 7 learner and instructed him to remove his rugby jersey in front of teammates during a school sports match.

A formal complaint, submitted to the Department of Education district office on 26 May, was lodged by retired educator Corrie Van Eck.

Van Eck previously taught at Kabega Park Primary School for 28 years before retiring in September 2024.

She described the alleged incident in her written complaint, stating: “The recent incident that was also brought to my attention happened during a rugby match when the principal swore and slapped a scholar while on the rugby field. The principal also told the boy to remove his Kabega rugby jersey.”

She said the child was left emotionally distressed by the encounter.
“The boy was embarrassed and devastated at the time of the incident!”

Van Eck also claimed she had previously raised concerns during her time as deputy principal.
“In my capacity as Deputy Principal at Kabega Primary for 10 years, I also verbally discussed the current principal’s poor behaviour style with him more than once.”

A close family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, provided a detailed account of the alleged incident on 17 February.
“There was a pre-season rugby match on the day. There were staff, learners and spectators present. It wasn’t a normal setup on the field and there were cones set up on the field.”

It is alleged that a group of boys, including the learner, were standing on the field when the principal approached them.

“The principal walked towards him (the learner) and he started shouting at the boys to get off the field. He slapped the boy on his shoulder, told him to take off his rugby jersey and then said ‘F-off home’.”

The source maintained that the learner had done nothing wrong.
“The boys did nothing wrong. The principal seemed to be reacting to where the boys were standing on the field or should be standing on the field, behind the orange cones.”

The individual further claimed that CCTV footage may exist of the incident.
“There are CCTV cameras around the school and it covers that area, but the footage has not been made available.”

The source said the incident has had a significant impact on the learner and his family. “Since the incident, he (the boy) has been seeing a psychologist. The family is concerned about how this has affected their son.”

Concerns have also been raised that the principal remains at the school while the investigation is underway.
“There were many people at the field who witnessed it. The family feels that the child is not protected.”
The source questioned what measures were being taken to protect learners.
“Last week it was Child Protection Week. What is the education department doing to protect children at school? All children should feel safe.”

The individual also expressed frustration at what they perceive as delays in the matter being addressed.
“Since the incident, it’s like it’s being swept under the carpet and just dragging on.”

The Eastern Cape Department of Education has confirmed that the matter is currently under investigation.
Provincial spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima said the district is handling the case and that labour relations officials are involved.

“The district is handling the matter, as such and Labour Relations officials are conducting an investigation. This preliminary investigation will recommend follow-up procedural steps to deal with the matter.”

The PE Express reached out to the principal of Kabega Primary School who declined to comment.

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