Unions call for sterner measures to address school violence

TWO recent violent incidents that resulted in the destruction of infrastructure and private property at two Kwazulu-natal schools have drawn widespread attention to the issue of pupils committing acts of crime.

On Wednesday, a Grade 10 pupil at Northbury Park Secondary in Northdale, Pietermaritzburg, allegedly used petrol to set alight the deputy principal’s vehicle in the school’s parking lot.

The pupil set a Hyundai i30 alight after a confrontation with the deputy principal, who had reprimanded him for violating their policy by bringing a cellphone to school. The teacher then confiscated the cellphone.

Provincial Education Department spokesperson Sihle Mlotshwa said a 17-year-old pupil had been arrested.

Also this month, pupils allegedly torched and vandalised parts of Ndengetho High in Kwandengezi, Pinetown, in reaction to a searchand-seizure operation by police that resulted in cellphones, weapons and drugs being confiscated.

A case of malicious damage to property was opened at Kwandengezi police station for investigation.

Teacher unions have since called for sterner measures to address violence in schools.

Nomarashiya Caluza, provincial secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu), condemned the Northbury Park incident.

“Teachers are not safe at all as they become a threat when they challenge misconduct by pupils and denounce some of the activities that happen in schools and communities. Teachers are killed and have been killed in broad daylight.

“We suspect that our schools are now identified as a fertile market for drugs. That is why, when pupils are searched, there are drugs and dangerous weapons like knives and guns in their bags and pockets,” said Caluza.

Therona Moodley, CEO of the National Professional Teachers Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa), also condemned acts of violence in schools.

“A learner who destroys school property or the personal property of educators must not only be disciplined by the school, but also face criminal sanctions. Schools reflect the communities and the violence in communities is playing out in the schools,” she said.

Matakanye Matakanye, of the National Association of School Governing Bodies, said relevant procedures should be followed to address the incident.

“It is a misconduct (case). The school governing body must suspend the learner for five schooldays and call for a hearing, with the learner represented by his parents. After that, pass the verdict and, if he is to be expelled from school, let it be,” he said.

Vee Gani, chairperson for the KZN Parents Association, said the torching of Ndengetho High would have a ripple effect on pupils.

“Pupils fail to understand that parents and the community will have to rebuild what was burnt. It is easy to burn but hard to build,” said Gani.

Kerry Frizelle, community psychologist and educationist from the University of Kwazulu-natal, said it was difficult to identify one driving factor that led to school violence.

“It is easy and convenient to criminalise young people who engage in such behaviour. What such an approach does not consider is the complex socio-economic and interpersonal contexts in which our youth are currently living.

“While we cannot condone destructive behaviour, unless we understand the wider contextual factors, we will never be able to address it.”

Mlotshwa recommended a united front to resolve the issues that plagued society. “We need to work together in ensuring that our children are brought up with good values and are taught respect. The battle against social ills is one which we cannot fight alone as a department,” said Mlotshwa.