Video of female teacher and Grade 8 student fighting in class over cellphone breaks the internet (WATCH)

A video of a female teacher and a Grade 8 student engaged in a physical altercation in a classroom at Hoër Tegniese Skool Welkom (HTS Welkom) has gone viral, sparking outrage and raising concerns about the state of discipline in South African schools.

The incident, which occurred last week, has prompted the Department of Education to launch a full investigation.

The video, which has been widely shared on social media platforms, shows the teacher and the student grappling over a mobile phone. The altercation reportedly began after the teacher instructed the student to switch off their phone, which was disrupting the class.

When the student refused to comply, the teacher attempted to confiscate the phone, leading to a heated exchange that quickly escalated into a physical fight.

"A video of the incident shows a teacher and a learner fighting violently in class. They are… scrambling for a mobile phone. This after the teacher asked the learner to switch it off as it was disturbing the proceedings in the class," said Howard Ndaba, spokesperson for the Free State Department of Education, in a statement.

"When the learner refused to comply, an altercation ensued as the teacher attempted to confiscate the phone. The department has launched an investigation to ascertain the details surrounding this unsavoury incident."

The department has condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms, emphasizing that classrooms are meant to be spaces for learning and teaching, not for violence.

"Classrooms are an inviolable space for delivering the core business of the department. That is learning and teaching," said Ndaba.

The Free State's MEC for Education, Dr Mantlhake Maboya, echoed the department's condemnation of the incident, highlighting the importance of maintaining a safe environment for all learners and educators.

"This is deeply concerning. Not only must it be frowned upon, but it must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. The safety of everyone on the premises of schools remains our utmost priority. Such ill-discipline will not be tolerated. Schools are for development not for any other self-defeating activities," said Maboya.