SA teachers are unsung heroes

It’s very disturbing to note of late that the once mighty, glittering and soughtafter profession of teaching has been turned into one of the most dangerous jobs in South Africa today.

Being a teacher places one between a rock and a hard place. This is evident in the recent videos that went viral on social networks, showing our kids fighting among themselves – from bullying one another to girls fighting over boyfriends and vice versa, instead of concentrating on their studies.

Our teachers are traumatised and their lives are a living hell.

Which teacher would be brave enough and have the guts to stand in front and teach a bunch of unruly knife-wielding, gun-toting pupils?

I grew up in the old era where l would be spanked and lashed by someone I didn’t even know when found doing something naughty. And it was effective and made me the man and father I am today.

Why is that we always blame or treat our hard-working teachers like trash, neglecting our mandates and obligations as parents but standing by our unruly, stubborn kids?

Do we know that they spend sleepless nights, restless days eating standing on their feet and cutting short their tea and lunch breaks, in order to impart knowledge to our kids?

And do we ever say thank you to them and show appreciation for their work? No.

A lot of teaching time is lost due to teachers disciplining our unruly, mischievous, erratic, wayward pupils.

Always remember that teachers build on the foundation laid by us parents. Let’s all unequivocally support our teachers in their quest to educate our nation.

McDivett Khumbulani Tshehla Halfway House