Violent Glenvista High teens charged

School Governing Body Representative Mr Michael Atti revealed that the boy had been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing once Gauteng schools reopen.

That wasn’t the only blow dealt to the learners who are also allegedly involved in the assault that occurred at Glenvista High School on September 18. Reportedly, as many as eleven other learners have been identified through the school cameras as the group responsible for inciting the violent outburst against the teacher.

“A hearing will take place as soon as schools open which will be facilitated by the SGB,” explained Mr Atti. Adding that the teacher affected by the incident had not received counselling although he had consulted with a psychologist appointed by the Gauteng Department of Education.

“The boy in question as well as the eleven boys will all receive counselling which the school will pay for. We will also ensure that the teacher receives counselling by a psychologist paid for by the school,” clarified Mr Atti.

This stance comes after an outrage by parents and southern communities alike on the assault.

Clr Paul Smith expressed great concern for the violent Grade 8 learner saying, ‘this child needs to be evaluated by a psychologist appointed by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) and find out if he was in the right school that he was placed in’. “The education department needs to look at the systems of evaluating the schools in which children are placed, to ensure that that child will receive an education suitable to that particular child,” he added.

However, parents believe that this issue has more to do with discipline at home than it does from schools.

Nicky Carvaho, a parent of a learner at Glenvista High School, said that her daughter was profoundly affected by the incident … that she cried after school. “I know we always blame children but parents don’t always discipline the children and it’s scary because this has affected my daughter very much. It’s really a difficult issue because there will always be children like this at our school.”

Jabulani Mazibuko: “I think that this child was rightly suspended and tough action should be taken against him to prevent children from being a law unto themselves at schools. This will also help to ensure that teachers are able to maintain control in their classrooms. Things can’t go on like this.”

Zama Mazibulo: “That child clearly wasn’t raised right and the teacher should open a criminal case against him because the teacher’s dignity has been shattered by this ill-disciplined child.”

Zac Kleynhans believes that the Grade 8 learner was rightly suspended and that the GDE should make sure to enforce some kind of discipline. “In my days, when you did something wrong you didn’t get a chance to get away with it, because discipline is essential.”
Suggestions on how disrespect and unruly behaviour could be combated in Gauteng schools included the option of summer camps where children are taught to be responsible for themselves in a respectful and controlled manner.