Thabo Ngayp of the Abahambo National Civic Movement.
The community of Klipspruit, Pimville and surrounding areas held a mass meeting in Klipspruit, Soweto, on May 19.
The meeting was convened in response to the growing crisis in schools involving gangsterism, crime and violence, which has increasingly disrupted learning environments.
Community of Soweto at large at a mass meeting aimed at fighting against gangsterism and violence in schools
A recent incident at Bona Comprehensive High School (BCHS) in Orlando saw a gang invade the school over a pair of earrings, leaving a learner critically injured and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The gathering brought together various stakeholders, including school principals, School Governing Body (SGB) members and community representatives, with the aim of joining forces to combat this social ill.
Attendees expressed concern that such incidents are disrupting education and leaving communities living in constant fear for their safety and that of their children.
SGB member at BCHS, Joy Makhowane who also called parents to help educators in instilling discipline.
SGB member at BCHS, Joy Makhowane, said: “This is a very deep problem and I believe that although this is done by children, parents enable such behaviour.
“We find that there is a root cause to all of this, and parents do not involve themselves in instilling discipline, even when called to the school.
“However, as we are approaching June 16, it is very sad and disappointing that people died fighting for education, and we now take it for granted. We also need to tackle this with prayer.”
CPF members also shared the challenges they face during such incidents, stating that some learners begin such behaviour at home, with concerns raised about girls attending school in revealing skirts and improperly worn uniforms.
The president of the Abahambe National Civic Movement, which campaigns for community development, Thabo Ngayo, said they have been active in engaging with problematic learners and ensuring accountability.
The community as they take a stand for their children’s future.
The organisation also addresses learners during school assemblies on the effects of gangsterism and violence in schools.
“This is our community, and we are the only people who can put an end to this in schools. School is a place of learning and empowering young minds, not for criminal activity. We will not rest until this comes to an end,” said Ngayo.
Community of Soweto at large at a mass meeting aimed at fighting against gangsterism and violence in schools.
Lindiwe Tshabalala of the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC) told Urban News that it is time for Soweto to take a stand against the issue, warning that it could destroy schools and endanger innocent lives.
A mass prayer will be held at Thaba Jabula Secondary School in Pimville on May 23.
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