By Grace Udofia
Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Education in Durban, South Africa, Kwazi Mshengu has appealed to parents, guardians, as well as the community, to work together and help stamp out violence in schools across the Province.
Mshengu made the appeal when he visited the Alfred Duma Municipality, following a number of violent attacks at schools in the area.
According to him, the plea became important after he heard how at least three pupils had been killed in ongoing clashes at schools. A girl was also allegedly raped and there had been flare ups between rival gangs in the township.
He said, “Violence in schools is a societal problem which requires all stakeholders to play their part in order to create a safe schooling environment.
“Violence targeted against learners and teachers is a serious problem that demands the immediate attention of parents, churches, civil society and all stakeholders in the education sector.”
A delegation also met with the concerned community of Ezakheni Township in Ladysmith.
In august, there was a school bullying video from that province that went viral on social media.
The video clip showed a group of learners in school uniform physically attacking a fellow girl learner outside Ilanga High School in KwaDabeka, under the Pinetown District.
