The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) said that recent incidents of bullying involving learners from David Mama Senior Secondary School in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape and Thuto Lesedi Secondary School in Vosloorus, Gauteng highlights the growing levels of violence in the country’s schools.
The union said this is happening despite the existence of codes of conduct which must guide appropriate behaviour and discipline among learners.Speaking on YOUFM Newshour, SADTU National spokesperson Nomusa Cembi said they are disturbed that these incidents continue to happen despite the existence of these measures that are aimed at protecting learners.
“We are really concerned that these measures are failing to protect vulnerable learners and create a culture of respect and safety. It is evident that more must be done to instil values of empathy, caring and tolerance among learners. These incidents shows that these measures are not effective enough, or perhaps we do not know yet whether these schools really have these codes of conduct or when these codes of conduct were put in place were learner’s part of those who drafted them as the law dictates that they should be part of it to make their own input,” said Cembi.
In a widely circulating video from Thuto Lesedi Secondary School in Vosloours, older learners were seen allegedly assaulting a Grade 8 learner two weeks ago after he refused to hand over a bag of sweets he was selling at school. The learner sustained facial injuries and had to undergo surgery.The incident sparked widespread protests with learners from surrounding schools converging at the school demanding justice and removal of the school principal.
Meanwhile in the Eastern Cape a video footage has surfaced showing a David Mama Senior Secondary School girl learner being slapped and punched by fellow a boy learner as she alights from a school bus.Cembi said that they welcome a swift response in the two incidents by the department of Education in both provinces.
“We acknowledge and support the intervention by Eastern Cape MEC for Education, Fundile Gade, who visited the school and family of the affected girl learner. It is understood that the school bus driver has been suspended for failing to intervene during the attack.Four learners from the Gauteng school were suspended and the principal removed to the district office. One learner appeared in court today (Monday), while in the Eastern Cape similar punitive measures were taken against the perpetrator,” said the spokesperson.
SADTU has implored all relevant stakeholders to join forces in addressing this growing challenge of bullying among learners.“Schools cannot fight this scourge alone. We reiterate the need for active involvement of parents, community members, teachers, learners, and government departments in creating a safe and nurturing schooling environment.
In line with our “I’m A School Fan” campaign, we call on all stakeholders to play a proactive role in protecting schools, the dignity and well-being of every learner and teacher,” appealed Cembi.
