Miss Qeru, a teacher at Thembalethu Primary School, has been suspended due to a viral clip of a learner kid. George [VIDEO]

Management at Thembalethu Primary School has reportedly placed teacher Ms. Qeru on temporary suspension following a viral video that sparked outrage across South Africa.

The video, shared on social media by Bae Keerah, allegedly shows a classroom during lunch hour where most learners had pies and drinks on their desks, while one boy had nothing. The child appeared uncomfortable and repeatedly tried to hide his face whenever the camera pointed toward him. The footage quickly spread online and triggered widespread criticism.

The boy’s mother, Siphesihle Ngxatu, later spoke publicly about the situation, explaining that she has been unemployed for a long time and that the incident deeply affected her after seeing the video online.

She wrote on social media that she broke down after watching the clip and expressed how painful it was to see her child subjected to humiliation because he did not have a pie. She also confirmed that a meeting with the school was scheduled to address the situation.

Following the viral attention, many South Africans rallied around the family. Reports indicate that around R22,000 has already been raised through donations to help support the mother and her son.

The incident has sparked broader conversations online about poverty, dignity in schools, and the responsibilities of educators toward learners.