When we wrote about the culture of fear and corporal punishment at Paarl Boys’ High School, many former pupils were quick to come to the school’s defence.

The News24 exposé itself stated that former pupils and parents said a number of teachers were using the outdated and illegal disciplinary measures, including deputy headmaster and head of discipline Richard Visagie, whose room was jokingly referred to as ‘the dungeon’.

That doesn’t mean that the pupils themselves don’t dish out what has been dubbed “jungle justice”, with a new video depicting “two separate incidents which support allegations that peers hit or punish each other with no recourse”:

There were also claims that younger pupils were made to partake in “initiation” activities which involve drinking large quantities of chilli sauce or hot cordials, and waking up very early to do chores for their seniors.

News24 published the video yesterday, which we can’t embed. If you click the image below, you’ll be redirected to where you can watch it.

Right, you’re back.

Let’s talk more about “jungle justice”:

“Jungle justice” is one of the methods of harm that some parents and past pupils have alleged occur at the boys’ school in the Cape wine belt.

Other methods of physical “punishment” allegedly include a “five-star” smack on the back which leaves a hand print or smacks on the head.

The school has denied the allegations and has asked that anybody who has been affected officially report it for investigation. It has also stated that any further inquiries be directed to the education department.

The Western Cape Department of Education has condemned corporal punishment, as it also continues its anti-bullying roadshow.

It has asked the SA Human Rights Commission to look into the allegations made by numerous parents and past pupils of Paarl Boys’ High School.

For those who bust out the old ‘why didn’t these parents and pupils complain sooner’, consider the fact that there are often repercussions to coming forward.

In the case of the recent allegations against Paarl Boys’, nobody was willing to go on the record, which is a problem that the national education department is familiar with:

Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said: “The problem with this, like Parktown Boys’ [High School] where sexual offences occurred for a long time, the parents and the school have a tendency of protecting the image of the school and thus opting to remain silent or co-operate.

“Accusations can be made but if there is no willingness from all stakeholders to deal with the issue head on, it makes life difficult for the authorities.”

It took years for the atrocities committed by Collan Rex to come to light, but in the end, they did.

Perhaps all of this will prompt Paarl Boys’ High School, and others, to take a look at the way that they handle discipline.

At the very least, it’s shone a light on what goes on at many schools around the country.

[source:news24]