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By Nkhensani Chauke
Bullying, gangsterism and drug abuse remain significant obstacles to effective teaching and learning in Ekurhuleni’s schools, according to Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane.
He said vandalism, alcohol abuse and other crimes were also concern.
“In order to curb these incidents, the department has put in place various measures. These include securing access into schools, search and seizures, deployment of security guards, recruitment and deployment of patrollers, as well as partnering with community structures and law enforcement agencies.
“However, despite these interventions, I continue to receive reports, in fact disturbing reports, of violence, bullying, arson, vandalism and several other reports,” he said
Speaking at the Ekurhuleni school safety imbizo in Tsakane, Chiloane said the goal of the meeting was to address serious concerns while enhancing collaboration between local stakeholders, educators and students.
The department held a similar imbizo earlier in the month in Kliptown, Soweto.
The MEC said over the weekend that the department had identified 55 schools in the region which were impacted crime, with gangs known as the Boofs, Gailos, Nkabination and Amabutho operating in them.
He added that the department noted the continuous conflicts between school governing bodies and local communities over “self-built projects”.
There was also fluctuating fights among learners who were on drugs, and substance abuse required immediate attention.
Chiloane added that peaceful communities played a role in creating safe schools, while environments plagued by violence manifested violent behaviour at schools.
“It is against this background that we must develop strategies to protect our schools from the social challenges impacting our communities. We must acknowledge that issues like violence and substance abuse cannot coexist with a healthy, conducive environment for learning and teaching.
“Today as we gather here to identify the challenges, we must with the same vigour think creatively to come up with lasting solutions to these challenges,” he said
Chiloane informed the gathering about strategies in place, including parental and community engagement, safety and security training, and educational and awareness programmes.
INSIDE EDUCATION