SADTU condemns violent bullying incidents at the Thuto Lesedi and David Mama Secondary Schools.
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) is deeply disturbed by the latest reported bullying incidents involving learners from David Mama Senior Secondary School in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape and Thuto Lesedi Secondary School in Vosloorus, Gauteng.
At Thuto Lesedi Secondary School, older learners allegedly assaulted 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. We are further alarmed by reports indicating the existence of tribal-based gang activity in the school.
This incident sparked widespread protests with learners from surrounding schools converging on Thuto Lesedi demanding justice and removal of school principal. SADTU commends the swift action of the Department of Education in Education for suspending four learners from the school and removal of the principal to the district office. One learner appeared in court today.
In an equally distressing incident in the Eastern Cape, a video footage has surfaced showing a girl learner from David Mama Senior Secondary School being slapped and punched by fellow boy learners as she alights from a school bus. 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.
These incidents highlight the growing levels of violence in our schools, despite the existence of codes of conduct which should guide appropriate behaviour and discipline among learners. SADTU is concerned that such 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.
However, schools cannot fight this scourge alone We reiterate the need for active involvement of parent, 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 pay a proactive role in protecting schools, dignity and well-being of every learner and teacher.
ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat