School discipline in focus
ANDREW CORNEW asks Zululanders what is the solution to verbal and physical bullying towards teachers
THERE has been an increase of verbal and physical bullying towards teachers across South Africa.
What is the cause and are there any solutions?
Zululand Observer’s ANDREW CORNEW took these questions to the streets…
7 NOVEMBER 2013
AS teacher shortages increase in Zululand, more teachers are wanting to leave the profession as they do not feel safe or protected in their schools.
The alarming fact is that this is becoming an ever increasing countrywide problem which will hold devastating consequences for South Africa.
Recently an 18-year-old KZN pupil was stabbed to death after a fight with classmates. It was captured on video for the world to see.
But it’s not only pupils who are victims – teachers are at the receiving end of violence as well.
A shocking 52.1% of teachers have been exposed to verbal violence perpetrated by pupils according to the 2012 National Schools Violence Study.
The study also shows that 12.4% of teachers were exposed to physical violence and 3.3% were exposed to sexual violence perpetrated by fellow teachers.
The study was conducted by the Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention.
And local teachers are not spared from this countrywide scourge.
“Unfortunately, many incidents are not being reported as teachers feel embarrassed or possibly fear being victimised by a child.
‘Teachers are resigning due to depression and fear of their own safety. In Zululand there have been incidents of teachers cars been scratched and vandalised.
‘Rubbish and other objects are deliberately thrown into classrooms and bins are piled up outside classroom doors.
Classroom walls and desks are been written on, shelves and posters are vandalised and nothing of value can be left in the class because it will either be stolen or destroyed,’ reported a Zululand teacher, who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation.
And decent pupils are feeling the consequences as well and have had enough.
‘Pupils who are disciplined in front of their peers often feel belittled and humiliated and want to exact some revenge on the teacher instituting discipline. It is becoming such a problem that discipline in class does almost not exist’ explained a Grade 12 Zululand pupil.
Provincial CEO of teacher union NAPTOSA, Micky Pierce, said they were aware of this problem since 2009.
‘If something is not done about this issue in the short-term, the consequences may be dire,’ said Pierce.
‘Poor student behaviour reflects the standards that they see at home and children cannot be held completely accountable for the values, or lack thereof, instilled at home.
‘Behaviour is learned and misbehaviour can be unlearned whilst positive behaviour must be taught, modelled, practiced and reinforced both in the classroom and at home,’ Pierce added.
