Department spokesperson Jasper Zwane says this seeks to send a strong message to those teachers who continue to apply corporal punishment to learners at schools.

He says a full report on the investigation will be published later this week.

"We do work with a number of stakeholders to send the message to all our teachers that incidents of this nature are prohibited and are unwarranted. We encourage our communities to report such incidents, and we are on record as the Department that each time things like these happen, we act and in this case we promise the public we will act decisively as well."

The suspension followed an SABC News broadcast of the alleged assault this past weekend. This has sparked a lot of outcry in South Africa as the abuse of
learners in schools comes under scrutiny.

SABC News went to visit the boy where he lives in a shack with his mom and four siblings.

Siphamandla's mother, Christina Choma has opened a case of assault against the principal. She says she can't bear having to watch her paralyzed son while the principal continues with his normal life.

The South African Human Rights Commission has strongly condemned the continued abuse of learners in schools throughout the country.

Commission spokesperson, Gushwell Brooks says they will make sure that justice is served.

"It flies in the face of dignity and many other rights that are contained within our bill of rights. To make matters worse, this particular incident has not only impacted on his rights and multiples levels, he has been left paralyzed. He won't be able to live nicely as a person like before. This now means he will need a great deal of medical attention.”

Siphamandla has vowed to chase after his dream of becoming a medical doctor, regardless of the fact that he finds himself living with a disability.

Source: SABC