The IFP notes with concern the increased number in reports of violence and murders in KwaZulu-Natal schools. These reports paint a grim picture of how schools have become unsafe spaces for learners. Urgent intervention is required as violence in our schools continue to spiral out of control.
This comes after another learner has been fatally stabbed allegedly by two learners in Mvaba Secondary School, in Nanda, Durban. This latest stabbing happened exactly a week after two school boys died at KwaMasakhane High School in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban after they were stabbed, allegedly by other pupils.
The IFP believes that the Education MEC in KZN Mthandeni Dlungwane must take full blame and responsibility for ignoring our calls to implement stringent security measures in schools.
For many years, the IFP have made countless calls for installation of safety measures such as metal detectors, CCTV cameras and security personnel at all schools for the safety of students, staff and school personnel as well as to deter students and visitors from bringing weapons to schools.
Our institutions of learning are becoming playgrounds for criminals due to the inept Department of Education in not providing security at schools. The callous killing of learners should prompt him into urgent and appropriate pre-emptive action, including training teachers with conflict management skills so that learners who are aggressive are assisted to resolve those emotional challenges in a civilised manner.
The sad and untimely death of these learners should serve as an urgent call for department to also implement harsher consequences for culprits in schools where security guards have been placed but cannot do their work properly because culprits undermine assault and refuse to be searched for weapons or to follow rules.
The IFP will pursue this matter in the KZN Legislature by submitting written questions and demand answers from the Education MEC about the lack of proper security measures.
We wish to express our deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones on the passing of these learners.
Contact:
Mrs Thembeni KaMadlopha-Mthethwa MPL
IFP KZN Spokesperson on Education
071 884 3844 / 079 114 3015