The South African Democratic Teacher’s Union (SADTU) is disturbed and perturbed by the fatal shooting of the Deputy Principal of the Kayamandi Primary School.
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) in the Western Cape has learned of the brutal and inhumane fatal shooting of the Deputy Principal of Khayamandi Primary School which took place in broad daylight at the school gate on 21 November 2025. We strongly condemn this cowardly act committed by a hopeless criminal whose aim is to hurt mankind just for selfish interests.
As SADTU, we are of the firm belief that this murderer comes from the very community where the school is situated. Therefore, the community has every right to protect the school. We hereby condemn this act of thuggery and barbarism and call for anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the criminal to come forward and report this to the nearest police station.
We continue to call upon our communities, all, and sundry to support our “I AM A SCHOOL FAN” campaign which seeks to create awareness and ensure that schools become safe havens for learners, teachers, and support staff. Communities must take ownership of schools and acknowledge that education workers are community workers who deserve full protection so that we may realise such an envisaged dream.
This tragic killing is one of many that have occurred in our province. Not so long ago, a Kraaifontein principal was also fatally shot at school. Crime remains a serious challenge in our schools, whether it involves learners against learners or communities targeting teachers. Schools are no longer safe places. It is well known that the Western Cape is the number one province in terms of murders and extortions, and we believe that a caring department and government must do everything in their power to protect their work force. Black working class communities have become war zones, and this requires urgent intervention from both the provincial and national government.
These killings reflect the breakdown within the communities where our schools are built. Our society has lost respect for one of its most important investments – its schools. Future leaders are nurtured in schools and therefore these institutions must never become spaces for criminal activities. Although we acknowledge the social ills of unemployment, inequality, poverty and drug abuse, these cannot be used as excuses for crime. Society must organise itself to address these matters in a sensible manner that respects the life of everyone and protects all institutions.
SADTU sends its condolences to the family of the deceased, her colleagues and learners who were exposed to such a traumatic experience. We shall keep in contact with the Department to ensure that all those affected receive the necessary support.
End.
Issued by Western Cape SADTU Secretariat