The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni is concerned about the recent incidents of gangsterism in schools in Duduza, which poses a serious threat to the safety of learners and teachers.
The DA was reliably informed that a group of young boys from NN Ndebele Secondary School, allegedly in possession of weapons, approached Asser Maloka Secondary School. They reportedly forced rival learners off the school premises and into violent confrontations. This incident caused fear among learners and teachers and severely disrupted the daily operations of the schools.
No learner or educator should be expected to function in an environment where their safety is under constant threat. The matter is currently in the hands of the criminal justice system. As a result, the lives of these young men may be permanently altered.
This highlights the serious need for proactive prevention instead of reactive enforcement.
The DA proposes that to address violence in schools, we need to adopt a whole-of-society approach, where law enforcement bodies such as the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), together with parents, community members, and teachers, work together to restore discipline and ensure safe learning environments.
We also call on the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to review school safety strategies.
Incidents of gangsterism are not unique to Duduza but are increasingly evident across the city and the province at large. The DA is also proud to acknowledge the national efforts to address violence in schools, including the recent commitment led by the DA Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, to secure R95 million in European Union funding to fight gender-based violence in schools.
However, these efforts must be complemented by decisive action on the ground to resolve all forms of school violence.
A DA-led Ekurhuleni will put learner safety first because every child deserves to learn in an environment free from fear and threats.