A Gqeberha school principal is in hot water after allegedly losing his temper during a rugby match and swearing at, hitting and stripping a Grade 7 boy of his jersey.

The incident, which was allegedly witnessed by the Kabega Park Primary School boy’s teammates, was reported to the Eastern Cape Education Department.

Spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima confirmed the department was investigating the principal.

The investigation comes after retired deputy principal Corrie van Eck submitted a formal complaint to the department about principal Andrew Jonas’s alleged behaviour.

The complaint, seen by IOL, said Jonas swore and slapped a scholar while on the rugby field during a match on February 17.

“The recent incident that was also brought to my attention happened during a rugby match when the principal swore and slapped a scholar while on the rugby field,” the complaint read.

“The principal also told the boy to remove his Kabega rugby jersey.

“The boy was embarrassed and devastated at the time of the incident.”

Van Eck, who taught at Kabega Park Primary School for 28 years before retiring in September 2024, also raised concerns about Jonas’s treatment of staff.

She said female teachers were too scared to speak out for fear of losing their jobs, adding that they were “verbally bullied by the principal daily”.

“Since my retirement I have had teachers, especially the ladies, contacting me complaining and seeking advice and moral support about the poor and rude behavior of the current principal towards each of them,” the complaint read.

“Unfortunately, they are too scared to raise any concerns because of losing their teaching post.”

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.”

He did not want to comment further.

Mtima said: “The Nelson Mandela Bay education district is handling the matter.

“Labour Relations officials are [doing] an investigation.

“The preliminary investigation will recommend follow-up procedural steps to deal with the matter.”

Jonas declined to comment. 

IOL News  

Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now.