Limpopo, South Africa – A man employed as a Grade 7 Mathematics and English teacher at a school in Limpopo has been severely assaulted by learners after it was revealed that none of his students passed a single examination throughout the entire academic year.
The incident came to light when final exam results showed that every learner in the teacher’s Mathematics and English classes failed all four terms, including Term 1, Term 2, Term 3, and the annual examinations. Following the release of the results, it emerged that the teacher himself had never passed matric (Grade 12).
Despite lacking the required qualifications, the individual had been appointed to the teaching position and, according to reports, earned a salary exceeding R228 321 during the course of the year.
Learners in his classes were subjected to an extreme study schedule. They were required to report to school at 04:30 in the morning for compulsory morning study sessions, more than three hours before the official school starting time of 07:30. After the regular school day ended at 14:30, students were kept at school until 19:30 in the evening for additional lessons. Despite the extended hours and intense timetable, not a single learner achieved a passing mark in either Mathematics or English for the year.
As a direct result of the mass failure, the entire Grade 7 class will be required to repeat the grade in the upcoming academic year.
The assault on the teacher reportedly occurred after angry learners confronted him over the devastating academic outcome and his lack of qualifications.
Authorities have not yet released an official statement, and investigations into the appointment process that allowed an unqualified individual to teach core subjects are understood to be underway.
The incident has raised serious concerns about oversight in teacher appointments and the protection of learners’ right to quality education in the province.
