News24 reports that the Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie (SAOU) has pledged its support for the Sans Souci Girls' High School teacher who was caught on video slapping a pupil.  

"The SAOU wishes to emphasise that we support our member and her labour rights," the union said in a statement.  In video footage circulated on social media last week, the teacher and pupil are shown in an apparent verbal disagreement which escalates.  The pupil shoves the teacher who retaliates by slapping the teenager across the face.  Both the teacher and the student face disciplinary hearings and 14 February has been set for the pupil's hearing.  "While the teacher concerned is a member of the SAOU, she is employed by the school's governing body and as such, the immediate processes of enquiry into the case and its resolution fall within the auspices of the governing body," the union indicated.  In addition to the disciplinary hearings, criminal cases have also been opened by both parties.  SAOU said it would provide legal representation for the teacher "if permitted to do so" and that a legal team had been appointed.

• Read Kamva Somdyala’s full report on this story at News24

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