Gangsterism in schools in spotlight
The department spokesperson, Steve Mabona, said: “As the department, we strongly condemn any acts of misconduct which seek to undermine the dignity of our learning institutions.”
Kwa-Thema – A group of concerned parents braved the cold Saturday weather to help find solutions for the safety of learners.
This was after three learners were stabbed last week in a rival gang attack allegedly over a beanie and a girlfriend.
It was alleged learners from Nkumbulo Secondary School attacked those from Phulong Secondary School outside the school premises.
It resulted in a blood bath, with learners sustaining severe injuries and being rushed to the local clinic and hospital for medical treatment.
Gangs, which include Kaofela and Mbutho, took over the school grounds and attacked whoever crossed their path.
Speaking at the meeting, the Ekurhuleni East District director, Sonikazi Chabalala, said they needed the support of parents and the community to fight gangsterism in schools.
“Learners are bullied and attacked in schools. Sadly, even primary school learners are members of gangs. Our schools are turning into war zones.
“They are unruly in classes, take drugs even on school premises, refuse to wear their school uniforms and are always late for class.
“We know there is external human influence fuelling the groups, but if we work together as a community, we will be able to push back and win this fight,” she added.
The parents agreed to a task team with all the organisations in the area being initiated to find lasting solutions to the challenges.
Parent Mxolisi Kota said parents needed to be honest with themselves because when they were called to the school during their children’s hearings, they tended to defend them.
“We have codes of conduct in our schools signed by parents, but when they are supposed to be implemented, parents tend to defend their children.
“It is sad that in most cases, the culprits are repeat offenders. I believe it is about time that, in such cases, they get expelled,” he added.
Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said three learners were taken to a local clinic for medical attention and were released the same day.
Mabona added that a new cohort of patrollers would be deployed at various schools to assist with access control and would get an E-Panic button.
ALSO CHECK: Phillip Moyo Clinic boasts a new Midwife Obstetrics Unit
“As the department, we strongly condemn any acts of misconduct which seek to undermine the dignity of our learning institutions.
“We continue to appeal to parents to instil discipline in their children in and outside the school environment,” he explained.
“It must be noted that all schools follow section 9 (1) of the South African School Act (SASA), where a School Governing Body (SGB) may, on reasonable grounds and as a precautionary measure, suspend a learner suspected of serious misconduct from attending school, but may only enforce such suspension after the learner was granted a reasonable opportunity to make representations to it about such suspension.
“If a learner is suspended, the SGB must conduct disciplinary proceedings within seven days of the suspension, failing which, the governing body must obtain the approval of the head of department for the continuation of the suspension of such learner.
“As the department, we take such allegations seriously and an investigation into circumstances surrounding this incident was launched. Upon finalisation of the investigation, the outcome will be communicated accordingly.
“Our psycho-social support team has been dispatched to both schools to offer support accordingly,” he said.
