The Mpumalanga Department of Education has called for the suspension of a learner seen in a viral video clip drinking alcohol in class. The learner from Siftokotile Secondary School in Mbombela who was in full uniform, can be seen drinking freely in the classroom.

INCIDENT BEING INVESTIGATED

The department’s spokesperson Jasper Zwane said circumstances surrounding the video are still being investigated and that for now, they are not certain of when the video was filmed. "The department will also be sending a team of officials to establish the extent of this challenge and to advise the School Governing Body on the steps to be taken to address this incident," said Zwane.

NOT ACCEPTABLE

Zwane said the department condemned this type of behavior and will not tolerate it. " The school has been ordered to provide the department with a detailed report on the incident. The Department urges community members to be vigilant of underage drinking and to report any concerns to the authorities. Parental intervention is sought in this instance to bring sanity and discipline to their children," he said. Zwane emphasised that underage drinking is a serious problem that can lead to a number of negative consequences, such as health and mental problems, physical injuries, unsafe sexual behavior, unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and academic problems. He said the department will be monitoring the developments on this matter very closely and will provide the necessary updates as the process unfolds.