Pupils feel unsafe as gangs terrorise schools

Sadtu launches anti-bullying campaign

“We have pupils who are calling themselves ‘Tjovitjo’ here at school and they are terrorising us after school. I was walking home when they threatened me with a knife and demanded my R10. I was so scared and hurting. I did not even bother to open a case because they said if I do that, robbing me will be a daily occurrence.”

This is how a 15-year-old Zifuneleni Junior Secondary School pupil described his recent encounter with bullies at his school in Orlando East, Soweto.

The pupil, who cannot be named to protect his identity, said he now lives in fear as gangs had taken over the school.

The boy shared his experiences as the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) launched the “Iama school fan anti-bullying campaign” at Lakeview Primary School in Dlamini in the township.

A 16-year-old grade 10 pupil from the same school said he didn’t feel safe.

“There is a group of boys that is always carrying knives. They abuse school children, they take their phones, money and hats. They wait for us to leave the school premises and we are scared of them,” he said.

A community member, who asked to remain anonymous, said it had become a daily occurrence to see pupils fighting.

“We always try to stop them but these children can be so disrespectful. It’s very sad that there are innocent children who are victims of these bullies,” she said.

Sadtu general secretary Mugwena Maluleke said the campaign focuses on bettering the behaviour and attitude of pupils and teachers.

“The focal point of the launch today it to address the prevalence of violence within the school community. Learner on learner violence is the most common and exists on many levels. There is also learner towards teacher violence.

“In this instance teachers know that they cannot respond to physical threats as corporal punishment is not allowed.

“Learners are very aware of their rights and use this to their advantage,” Maluleke said.

He said the campaign will mobilise all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, pupils and government departments to address school-related violence in all its forms.