The Pimville and Klipspruit community gathered at Thaba Jabula Secondary School on May 23 to pray against drugs, bullying and gangsterism affecting the school and its learners.
Thaba Jabula Secondary School hosted a prayer session and invited community members, leaders, learners and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to pray and seek intervention regarding gangsterism, substance abuse and bullying.
Mmbulaheni Mphuma, principal of Thaba Jabula Secondary School, said he was delighted to have the support of parents and community members who came to offer spiritual support and condemn the behaviour leading learners into gangsterism, bullying and substance abuse.
“This week we witnessed learners fighting because some come from different townships,” he said.
Mphuma added that some learners were fighting because they belonged to groups known as the Pantsulas, the Italians and the Courage.
“They always confront each other after school, but I appreciate the support from Kliptown Police Station because they are always available,” he said.
Pastor Siyamcela Gabada preaching. Photo: Tsengela Muedi
Xitlhangoma Mabasa, co-convener of the prayer service, said the purpose of the gathering was for pastors, parents and community members to pray against the negative influences affecting learners in Johannesburg.
“Our children are stabbing each other in classrooms, undermining teachers, and there are also accidents happening because our children are not using safe modes of transport,” he said.
Mabasa added that the prayer session aimed to fight the destructive influences affecting children.
Siyamcela Gabada, a pastor from the United Apostolic Church, said gangsterism at the school was a serious concern and that pastors wanted to encourage a culture of prayer in schools.
“Today we come before God because we are worried as exam time is approaching and some learners are being bullied, so we are asking God to intervene,” he said.
Gabada added that pastors decided to pray at the school because parents alone might not be able to control the situation.
The commuity praying. Photo: Tsengela Muedi
Elizabeth Mathabe, a Klipspruit community member, said the school had a history of violence.
“There was once a learner who murdered another learner at the school and was arrested,” she said.
Mathabe, who sells rulers and pens at the school, said she often witnessed learners disrespecting teachers and the principal.
She added that although the school bell rings at 07:30, she often sees some learners still outside the school premises at 09:30.
Lwando Mbontsi, a Grade 11 learner at Thaba Jabula Secondary School, said bullying and gangsterism were seriously affecting learners.
“A learner may be restricted from using restrooms, wearing certain clothing or saying certain words that could upset gang members because gangs have their own language. If you use those words without being a member, you could get into trouble or even be stabbed,” he said.
The principal with community members and learners. Photo: Tsengela Muedi
“This affects us because we are afraid for our lives. You may find gangs smoking near the school blocks and if you interrupt them or accidentally spill their dagga, you become the next target and they wait for you after school.”
Lwando added that the prayer session could help uplift victims and give learners hope that God was watching over them.
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