Reokoditswe Morokoane, a teacher at Tukisang primary school in the North West province of South Africa, claims she has been facing discriminatory treatment and humiliation at work. Her hands and legs were amputated in 2023 following complications with low blood pressure. After undergoing physiotherapy and being fitted with prosthetics, Morokoane returned to the classroom, but her experience has been far from welcoming. She alleges that the principal has been making it difficult for her to work, even suggesting that she resign.
Morokoane's ordeal began when she informed the principal of her intention to return to work after her life-changing operation. Instead of being accommodated, the principal allegedly told her to resign without giving any reasons. Morokoane refused, and the principal then instructed her to obtain a professional recommendation from an occupational therapist on how to accommodate her in the workplace. Morokoane complied, and the report recommended that she be provided with an assistant teacher, a laptop and projector in the classroom, and a wheeled chair to help her move around.
Despite the recommendations, Morokoane claims that none of them were implemented. The report also suggested that she be allocated a classroom to avoid having to move from class to class, which could exacerbate her condition. However, the principal allegedly told her that the allocated classroom was reserved for visitors, and she would have to move around the school to teach. Undeterred, Morokoane improvised and created makeshift tools to help her perform her duties. Her difficulties, however, extended beyond the classroom, with allegations that the principal did not want her vehicle on the school grounds.
Morokoane recalls an incident where she was wheeled into the school in a wheelchair, with the help of other teachers and a general worker. The experience was emotionally draining, and she had to compose herself in an empty classroom. When the principal asked her about her arrival time, Morokoane claims she was instructed to look at her, but she was crying and could not do so because the principal was laughing at her. This incident, Morokoane says, has left her feeling stripped of her dignity.
The North West education department has confirmed that Morokoane's complaint has been referred to the office of training, investigations, and safety. Spokesperson Elias Malindi said the department would be guided by the report from the investigation. Morokoane's plight has also drawn the attention of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities, which says that discrimination against employees with disabilities reflects broader exclusion and inequality.
Dylan Mashele of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities said that despite existing laws, persons with disabilities continue to face discrimination in the workplace. Morokoane has also informed the regional South African Democratic Teachers Union office, which attended meetings with her regarding the issue. However, the union had not responded to questions about how they had tried to assist her by the time of publication.
Morokoane says she wants justice and for the education department to accommodate her. She still wants to teach children and would not mind being moved to another school. Her case highlights the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the workplace and the need for greater understanding and accommodation.
Key points
- The North West education department is investigating allegations of workplace discrimination against a teacher with a disability.
- The teacher, Reokoditswe Morokoane, claims she has been subjected to humiliation and a difficult work environment by her principal.
- The case highlights the broader issue of exclusion and inequality faced by persons with disabilities in the workplace.
