SADTU CONDEMNS THE HARASSMENT, TAUNTING AND BEATING OF A LEARNER LIVING WITH ALBINISM
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) is appalled and deeply disappointed by the disturbing viral videos showing learners taunting, harassment and beating a fellow learner living with albinism at Phutlotau Secondary School in Sekhukhune, Limpopo.
In some of the videos, learners are saying they don’t want albino in their school. We
condemn this behaviour in the strongest possible terms. Such conduct is unacceptable,
inhumane, and fundamentally contrary to the values of dignity, respect, equality, and
human solidarity that our education system seeks to uphold.
No learner should ever be subjected to ridicule, discrimination, or humiliation because of
who they are or how they look. Albinism is a genetic condition and must never be a reason
for stigma, prejudice or mistreatment. Every learner has an equal right to learn and
participate in school life in an environment that is safe, inclusive, and free from bullying and
discrimination.
This incident raises serious concerns about the extent to which our schools are succeeding
in instilling the values of diversity, tolerance, empathy and acceptance among learners.
Education must go beyond the acquisition of academic knowledge and technical skills. It
must also shape responsible, compassionate and well-rounded citizens who respect the
dignity and humanity of others, regardless of their differences.
SADTU believes that this incident is a painful reminder that we must do more to build
schools where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is practised, and bullying is never tolerated.
Life Orientation is more critical than ever and must be given the attention, time, and
resources it deserves. Learners must be taught, from an early age, to understand and
appreciate human differences, to reject prejudice and discrimination, and to stand up
against all forms of bullying and victimisation. These values must not remain confined to theclassroom; they must be reflected in the everyday conduct of every member of the school community.
SADTU calls on the Department of Basic Education and the relevant provincial education authorities to urgently investigate this incident, establish the circumstances under which it occurred, and ensure that appropriate corrective measures are taken in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. We further call on the Department to establish where the educators and other responsible school authorities were when this incident took place, and what measures were in place to protect the affected learner. Schools have a responsibility to safeguard learners and to respond decisively when bullying and discrimination occur.
While accountability is necessary, our response must also include meaningful interventions aimed at educating and correcting behaviour, addressing prejudice and preventing similar incidents from happening again. Parents, educators, school governing bodies, learners and communities must work together to ensure that our schools become safe spaces where every child feels accepted, protected and valued.
SADTU calls on learners to reject bullying and to show solidarity with those who are vulnerable to discrimination. We also urge parents and communities to reinforce at home the values of respect, compassion and acceptance that we expect our schools to promote.
We stand in solidarity with the learner affected by this incident and with all learners living with albinism who continue to face stigma and discrimination. No child should have to endure humiliation to access their constitutional right to education. The dignity of every learner must be protected, and those entrusted with their care must ensure that schools are places of learning, inclusion, safety and mutual respect.
SADTU reiterates that bullying, discrimination and the dehumanisation of learners have no place in our schools or in our society. An injury to one learner’s dignity is an injury to the values of our entire education system.
ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat