By KOPANO MONAHENG
MZANSI needs to produce some of the best educated and literate citizens in the world. To achieve this, more must be done academically to ensure that learners arrive to school on time, get proper meal and study in a safe and distraction-free environment. Learners should not be allowed to bring drugs, dangerous weapons or any other prohibited items onto school premises.
On Tuesday, 4 August, Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Lebogang Maile conducted an unannounced visit to two schools in Khutsong township in the West Rand and Orange Farm, south of Joburg where he spoke about violence and crime in schools. Maile couldn’t have done it alone. He teamed up with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the community and other stakeholders in an effort to create safer schools in the province.
During his ambush, learners were searched for illegal substances and other unwanted items.
“The school (Badirile Secondary School) is considered notorious,”said Maile. “Learners reportedly threaten to call zama-zamas and criminals to murder educators, and some non-learners attend only to eat learner’s meals and terrorize other learners and educators.”
He said currently Badirile doesn’t have a headmaster hence there was no order that school.
“Five educators are reported for not coming to school, not teaching, and visiting taverns during school hours,” said Maile.
Speaking about dangerous weapons found in bags of some of the learners, Maile said schools must provide a safe and conducive environment for teaching and learning, ensuring that every child feels safe while at school.
He said children cannot succeed without proper guidance from parents, guardians, teachers and other responsible adults. He stressed that violence prevention programmes are needed to help these young people build a clear vision for their future.
Maile also noted that gender-based violence and other social challenges continue to affect many children, leaving some traumatised and unable to concentrate on their schoolwork.
Meanwhile, the MEC will again tomorrow morning be in the streets, ensuring that a black child has the best education they need to be successful. Catch him from 8h00 at Sam Ntuli sport centre in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni. He will officially switch on Gauteng’s 2027 Online Admissions system for Grade 1 & Grade 8 applications. Go meet the MEC!!!
