Violent clashes at school intensify
A SCHOOL fight involving Richards Bay Secondary School learners this week resulted in one learner sustaining a laceration to the ear and another suffering head injuries and abrasions on the legs.
The violence is believed to be a continuation of last week’s turmoil, when fights broke out on the school premises in Brackenham on Thursday and Friday.
A video clip showing a group of learners attacking each other was circulated on social media, prompting a response from the KZN MEC for Education, Mthandeni Dlungwana.
In a statement, Dlungwana condemned the attacks and confirmed that Department of Education representatives visited the school on Tuesday to engage with the school governing body and school management.
It was alleged that some learners were in possession of knives and guns, and that shots were fired during last week’s incidents.
Dlungwana has called on education stakeholders, who include parents and community members, to unite and take a stand against any form of school violence.
‘Schools should be the centres of learning and teaching, not the sites of bullying, gangsterism and criminality.
‘Even if we install state-of-the-art security in our schools, we will not win the war against the scourge of school violence unless parents and communities come on board and take responsibility for instilling a sense of what is right and wrong in their children.
‘Schools should not be the only place where children are taught morals and discipline. This should begin at home,’ Dlungwana said.
‘The department is doing everything in its power to provide a safe and caring environment in our schools. All learners should abide by their schools’ code of conduct which ensures the protection of all learners.
‘Bullying is one of the causes of violent crime in schools, and it constitutes a significant challenge for school safety and directly undermines the creation of an enabling environment that supports personal growth and development,’ he said.
Coupled with the acts of violence, the school also finds itself facing a severe financial crisis, unable to meet its monthly expenditure and operational costs. Some essential services have been suspended.
Community member, Pastor Ivan Naidoo, has been promoting the #SaveRBSS campaign on social media, prompting former learners and community members to come on board and make a contribution to salvage the school.
‘A school is an environment for growth and development. It must be safeguarded against ill discipline.
‘We must demonstrate leadership and facilitate a multi-disciplinary approach to deal with all facets of governance at RBSS. No single individual can resolve the complexities which exist,’ Naidoo said.
Schools should be the centres of learning and teaching, not the sites of bullying, gangsterism and criminality