Criminal activity has plagued the country and schools have not been excluded as they are once again targets for criminality.
It’s understood criminals have targeted schools in various province, with Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape reporting the latest incidents, sometimes violent attacks on learners, teachers and non-teaching staff, therefore raising concerns about the safety of those on the school grounds.
“These criminals enter the school premises with guns and force educators and learners to hand over their belongings, such as cellphones. Two weeks ago, a teacher’s car was stolen at Jerusalema High School in White River, but fortunately, it was later recovered”, NEHAWU Mpumalanga General Secretary, Thulani Mnisi said.
Teachers in Mpumalanga downed tools last week, demanding a meeting with the education MEC Bonakele Majuba, saying enough is enough.
“Following this drastic step by educators and union representatives, a meeting was convened with the MEC. During the meeting we also engaged the safety, security, and liaison department, for a permanent and amicable solution in dealing with the matter. Hopefully they will take this issue seriously,” Mnisi said.
The Mpumalanga Department of Education has now promised to present a comprehensive safety plan for schools across the province, which is expected to be presented in the coming week.
This South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) has also expressed frustration over violent crime affecting learning and teaching in schools, particularly around Hazyview and White River areas which are said to be the hardest hit.
“Teachers have been attacked and robbed at work over the past three months. The union met with the department to ensure that the matter gets urgent attention and consideration,” Walter Hlaise, SADTU Secretary in the province, said.
NEHAWU is calling on members of the society to play a role together with School Governing Bodies in fighting the scourge, saying the perpetrators are people from the same communities they are tormenting.
Responding to the matter, the Department of Basic Education says criminality at schools is a nationwide crisis which needs the assistance of law enforcement. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Elijah Mhlanga, the department’s spokesperson says this matter is of grave concern as crime affects educators and learners to and from school.
“As a department we are a victim of crime just like everyone else. We remain affected by the crime as teachers went to the extent of marching in efforts to voice their fear and frustration in Mpumalanga,” Mhlanga said.
In the Eastern Cape, Mhlanga says teachers threatened to resign due to the high crime levels in the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality.
Mhlanga is calling for a strong relationship between the department, law enforcement authorities and community members in order to have a positive impact in and around schools.