MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, has strongly condemned acts of ill-discipline and unruly behaviour by learners reported during the week at Gauteng schools.
“We must remind all learners, parents and communities at large that our schools are institutions of learning and teaching. Therefore, we appeal that they be treated as such,” said MEC Chiloane.
The MEC’s concerns follow reported fights, stabbings, assaults, and parents barricading gates to prevent teaching and learning in some schools in the province.
Last week, a grade 8 boy learner at Altmont Technical High School in Soweto was stabbed in the neck by a grade 9 boy learner outside the school premises.
The injured learner was rushed to a nearby clinic and later transferred to a hospital for further medical attention.
He is recovering at home, and the suspect learner faces suspension and other pending disciplinary processes.
At Wendywood High School in Sandton, seven Grade 12 learners were taken into custody by Sandton Police officials following a fight with a group of grade 10 and 11 learners.
The boys skipped classes and went on a drinking spree. They are on out on R 1 000 bail each.
In Bekkersdal, a group of parents from T M Lethlake Secondary School forcefully locked the school gates and prevented learners from attending classes.
The protesters opposed the appointment of a new principal, disciplinary action against educators not teaching learners, and enactment of the school’s Code of Conduct against learner misconduct.
District officials held a meeting with the parents, who assured them that these issues will be investigated and attended to accordingly.
Another incident saw a grade 9 girl learner from Pretoria Central High School assaulted by five learners during school hours.
The perpetrating learners were identified and suspended; they await a disciplinary hearing for their actions.
Chiloane said any form of ill-discipline and unruly behaviour will be met by disciplinary action and lawful action if necessary.
He said the department’s psychosocial support team has been dispatched to all affected schools to offer the necessary support.
Thembisa Shologu