Heartwarming response: R55, 000 raised for bullied boy over pie incident
A GRADE 1 teacher has been suspended after a video surfaced on social media showing her mocking a pupil who did not have money to participate in the school’s ‘pie day’ fundraiser.
Image: TikTok
An emotional incident of bullying at Thembalethu Primary School sparked an inspiring wave of generosity from South Africans.
The incident where a boy was humiliated for not being able to afford a pie at Thembalethu Primary School in the Western Cape went viral on social media.
Within hours, the nation responded. Many South Africans condemned the alleged bullying and demanded action against the teacher involved.
Amid the outrage, Mandisi Tshingana stepped in to help.
The influencer, who has more than 855,000 followers on Facebook, launched a fundraising drive for the boy and his family.
Using his large online platform to mobilise support, he quickly drew donations from people across the country who wanted to help restore the youngster’s dignity.
In just a short time, the campaign had raised over R55,000, turning a moment of humiliation into a powerful example of how social media can be used for good.
School authorities later confirmed that the teacher at the centre of the controversy had been suspended pending investigation.
"Guys, I wish I were quiet with your money. It seems like you are chasing R60,000 now. God is showing off," Tshingana said on the donations.
IOL previously reported that Western Cape education department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond called the incident ''totally inappropriate'' and that a probe was launched.
According to Hammond, the video was shared with the parent group.
"[That was done] purportedly to highlight that the learner was the only learner excluded from receiving goods purchased through a fundraising initiative.
"It has since been established that the teacher had in fact purchased the fundraising item for the pupil, who received it after the filming of the video," Hammond said.