Uncategorized
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern about the increase in incidents of violence, racism, abuse and bullying at South African schools.
Ramaphosa was addressing members of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) on the third day of its National General Council.
Ramaphosa said incidents of violence, abuse and bullying in local schools are a grave concern.
“Incidents of racism are greatly distressing and show that there is still resistance among some people to the gains that this democratic order has achieved,” said Ramaphosa.
“We are concerned about the apparent increase in incidents of violence against teachers and learners, often perpetrated by criminals who come into schools.”
“We need to work together, across society, to ensure that our schools are safe. This means that SGBs, CPFs, communities, local businesses, unions and the police need to work together to ensure that every single school in the country is a place where educators and learners feel secure and safe.”
As the world commemorates World Teachers’ Day, Ramaphosa added that it was important to reflect and celebrate the important role teachers played in the world by advancing human progress overall.
“Teachers are responsible for the development of our country’s most valuable resource – our children,” said Ramaphosa.
“More than any mineral or natural asset, more than any product or industry, the children of this country will shape our future and determine our fortunes. That places a great responsibility on teachers to educate and prepare our children well.”
Ramaphosa added: “As with all the teachers of our country, the members of SADTU carry a great and noble responsibility. It is a responsibility that you continue to perform with pride, dignity and diligence. I wish you a successful and productive National General Council.”
The SADTU NGC is expected to look into the progress made by the union on resolutions taken at its last national congress in 2019, which include, among others, school safety, psychosocial support for teachers who experience serious challenges at schools, and digital learning.
The theme for this year’s NGC is: “Claiming our right to have our human dignity and safety protected and respected in pursuit of a decolonised quality public education”.
INSIDE EDUCATION