Safety, discipline, and learning at stake: MEC Lindi Masina convenes urgent eMbalenhle school meeting
After violent protests by secondary school learners, MEC Masina met with stakeholders to tackle safety, harassment, and school governance issues in eMbalenhle.
The Mpumalanga Education MEC, Lindi Masina, convened an urgent stakeholder meeting at eMbalenhle Sasol following two days of violent learner protests at local secondary schools.
Representatives included community members, teacher unions, school governing bodies (SGBs), SAPS, traditional leaders, security companies, learner formations like COSAS, and the Vukanini Taxi Association.
Discussions centred on escalating safety concerns, including sexual harassment, drug trafficking, gangsterism, and violence against teachers. Five schools were most affected: Kiriyatswane, Kusasalethu, K.I. Thwala, Sizwakhele, and Thomas Nhlabathi.
Masina confirmed the suspension of a teacher accused of sexual misconduct and assured stakeholders that investigations are ongoing, stressing that due process will be followed. “Every learner deserves safety, every teacher deserves dignity, and every parent deserves peace of mind,” she said.
Community members also raised concerns about learners carrying weapons, while teacher unions called for stricter measures to protect staff. Allegations of SGB corruption were highlighted, with calls for policy reforms to improve accountability.
Masina pledged to increase the schools’ security budget and urged parents to monitor learners’ social media use. She emphasised collective responsibility to restore safe, quality learning environments and reminded stakeholders that matriculants are preparing for trial exams in a week, stressing the importance of prioritising education.
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