“Our schools are a microcosm of society and what generally occurs in our society finds expression in our schools,” said Gauteng department of education spokesperson Steve Mabona.
Mabona said this after a Grade 10 pupil from PJ Simelane High School in Dobsonville, Soweto, was stabbed inside the school premises following a fallout with his peers on Friday.
The victim was taken to the nearest hospital for treatment, while the alleged attacker was taken into custody.
Behaviour problems in school are rooted at the home
Mabona said the collapse of the social fabric that held communities together in the past is largely blamed for the societal ills occurring within our school environment.
“This is evident in learner ill-discipline, learner-to-learner violence, learner-to-educator violence and bullying. Also gangsterism, drugs and substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, and underage sex,” he said.
He revealed that the department has identified other variables that are causative factors for unacceptable learner conduct.
“Parental neglect, absent fathers and the strain of single-parent families. Child-headed families, and unfavourable conditions in communities.”
Quality Teaching and Learning Campaign
Mabona went on to say the department has embarked on an awareness campaign through the Quality Teaching and Learning Campaign. It aims to mobilise communities and school stakeholders.
“Parenting workshops are aimed at strengthening parent or guardian involvement in supervising homework. They also instill learner discipline in and outside the school environment,” said Mabona.
Dangerous weapons, drugs and alcohol are frequently retrieved during search and seizure operations and in schools, he said.
Search-and-seizure operations at schools
“High-risk schools are targeted for unannounced searches in partnership with SAPS and Metro Police. And learners with various behavioural challenges and criminal tendencies are taken on a guided prison tour. This in partnership with the Department of Correctional Services.”
Mabona said a disciplinary hearing will be held in due course.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that police arrested a 15-year-old Grade 9 learner. He allegedly stabbed the 16-year-old Grade 10 learner inside the school premises in Dobsonville, Soweto.
Teen due in court for stabbing another pupil
“Police received a complaint of a stabbing from one of the high schools in Dobsonville. On arrival, the victim was already taken to the hospital after he was allegedly stabbed.
“The suspect was found at his place of residence in Dobsonville and arrested. He was charged with a case of attempted murder, and he is expected to appear in court soon.”
