K-word teacher too sick to attend disciplinary

Bloemfontein - A Free State maths teacher who allegedly used the k-word with school governing body (SGB) members in a WhatsApp message could not face his disciplinary action on Friday, said education department spokesperson Howard Ndaba on Monday.

Ndaba said Flip Snyman’s trade union said the man was in hospital.    

"The trade union that is representing him said he was sick and in hospital, but could not say what was wrong with him – so the hearing could not be done on that day," said Ndaba.  

Snyman was expected to face disciplinary action after he sent allegedly racist WhatsApp messages to a member of the SGB who is also a teacher.  

Snyman has declined to comment, saying his trade union was dealing with the matter.

According to Ndaba, Snyman referred to all the SGB members as being "kaffirs" in the WhatsApp message.

It is understood that the SGB is made up mainly of black and coloured individuals.  

"His second message, which he wrote in Afrikaans, accused the teacher of being an arse-licker [gatkruiper] – the message says she does not have a backbone and she should apologise to him.

“Snyman faces two charges, including contravening the Employment of Educator's Act by using the "K-word" and displaying disrespect at work, said Ndaba.

Snyman said his trade union lawyers were handling the matter, but added that he had no bad feelings towards the teacher who received the WhatsApp messages.

Ndaba could not confirm a new date for Snyman's hearing.