DA Youth want safety in schools to be addressed

The Democratic Alliance (DA) Youth in Gauteng had a picket and delivered a memorandum to the Department of Basic Education on July 25, calling on the department to make key interventions to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment at schools across the province.

The picket was led by the Gauteng DA Youth chairperson, Pogiso Mthimunye, and DA Shadow MEC for Education Khume Ramulifho MPL.

According to the deputy chairperson of the DA Youth in Gauteng, Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, with the rise of violence in Gauteng schools, massive infrastructure backlogs and apprehensive learning environments in public schools, the DA Youth in Gauteng launched a petition on April 27 calling for action from the provincial education department.

“The DA Youth believes that a safe learning environment is essential for learners of all ages. Without it, they are unable to focus on learning the skills needed for a successful education and future. When violence is part of the education setting, all learners are affected in some way,” said Rasilingwane.

Rasilingwane emphasised that research confirms that children who feel unsafe at school perform worse academically and are more at risk for getting involved in drugs and delinquency and it is for this reason the DA youth is standing up for the safety of all the school in Gauteng.

She said the DA Youth resolves that the education department should encourage the community members to be more involved in their children6s education.

“CCTV installed in schools should be linked to the SAPS for easy monitoring. Metro police must do regular roadblocks to ensure that drivers of learner transport adhere to the law,” added Rasilingwane.

School safety is important to protect all learners from violent attacks that include:

• Assaults

• Bullying

• Victimisation

• Theft

• Robbery

• Use of weapons

• Sexual attacks.

The Department of Education accepted the memorandum and they promised to respond within 21 days.