Principal under investigation after alleged slap and swearing at Grade 7 pupil

A Kabega Park Primary School principal is the subject of an education department probe after allegations he swore at, slapped and told a Grade 7 pupil to remove his rugby jersey during a match.

What was reported

According to IOL, the incident took place during a rugby match on February 17. The complaint, seen by IOL, said Jonas swore and slapped a scholar while on the rugby field during a match on February 17. The complaint also said the principal told the boy to remove his Kabega rugby jersey.

Who raised the complaint

Retired deputy principal Corrie van Eck submitted a formal complaint to the Eastern Cape Education Department about principal Andrew Jonas’s alleged behaviour, IOL reported. The complaint, seen by IOL, said the boy was “embarrassed and devastated at the time of the incident.”

Concerns about staff treatment

Van Eck also told the department, as reported by IOL, that female teachers at the school were too afraid to speak out and were “verbally bullied by the principal daily.” The complaint said some teachers had contacted her since her retirement seeking advice and support.

Department response and next steps

Eastern Cape Education Department spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima confirmed the department was investigating the principal and said the Nelson Mandela Bay education district was handling the matter. Mtima told IOL that Labour Relations officials are doing an investigation and that the preliminary investigation will recommend follow-up procedural steps.

Family and principal responses

When approached for comment by IOL, the boy’s father said: “We have professional assistance for him. We try to normalise everything and not expose him to any stories.” Jonas declined to comment, IOL reported.

Related context

The complaint and the department’s confirmation of an investigation were reported by IOL.