Understanding The Teacher-Learner Conflict: A Closer Look

Holifil

02 Apr, 2025

South African Police have confirmed a 14-year-old student in Welkom, Free State, filed an assault charge against his teacher.
This followed a viral video showing the student and teacher in a physical altercation, sparking heated debates online.
The Department of Education is investigating, and the teacher's husband has shared her perspective, stating the situation escalated unexpectedly.

Tebogo Mokwena, a seasoned journalist with Briefly News, has covered police investigations, high-stakes shootouts, and court cases for over three years in Johannesburg, South Africa. His work focuses on current affairs and provides in-depth insights into societal issues.

A learner allegedly refused to stop playing a game in class, leading to a viral altercation with his teacher. Image: Skynesher Source: Getty Images

WELKOM, FREE STATE — In the small town of Welkom, Free State, the husband of a teacher whose viral scuffle with a student made headlines has spoken out, shedding light on what really happened. The incident has sparked a nationwide conversation about discipline in schools, teacher-student relationships, and the role of technology in the classroom.

Teacher's Husband Shares His Side

As reported by SABC News, the teacher is facing a common assault charge after the physical altercation went viral on social media. The Education Department has launched an investigation into the matter. Her husband, Greg Balios, decided to share her side of the story, hoping to provide context to the public.

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According to Balios, the teacher was dealing with a particularly unruly class when one student, in particular, refused to comply with her requests. The student was engrossed in a game on his phone, ignoring her instructions to stop. After several warnings, she asked him to hand over the phone, but the student became confrontational. When she attempted to confiscate the device, the situation escalated into a physical altercation.

Is This Gender-Based Violence?

Balios expressed his concerns about the incident, labeling it as a case of gender-based violence. He emphasized that young people must understand the seriousness of such actions. "It's not acceptable for a boy to physically wrestle with a woman, especially in a position of authority like a teacher," he stated. Balios also criticized the media, accusing it of failing to consider the teacher's perspective and focusing solely on the viral nature of the incident.

When Learners Turn Violent

In another alarming incident, Briefly News reported a case where an Ekurhuleni learner allegedly shot his principal after being asked to complete schoolwork. This shocking event highlights the growing issue of violence in schools and the urgent need for better communication and conflict resolution strategies.

The principal had instructed the student and his classmates to focus on their tasks. Instead of complying, the student pulled out a gun and fired, leaving the principal critically injured and requiring hospitalization. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing the root causes of violence in educational settings.

As these stories continue to unfold, they bring to light the complexities of modern education and the challenges faced by both teachers and students. It's crucial for society to engage in meaningful dialogue about these issues, ensuring that classrooms remain safe and conducive to learning for everyone involved.