SADTU STATEMENT ON INCIDENTS OF VIOLENCE IN SCHOOLS AROUND ELDORADO PARK

The South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU) is deeply concerned and disturbed by incidents of violence in schools around Eldorado Park in Johannesburg, just a week before the start of Grade 12 preliminary examinations.

Two learners got injured in a shooting incident at Willow Crescent Secondary School yesterday when two men allegedly entered the school and began shooting sending panicked learners to scatter in the school yard and some jumping over the fences to escape.

At Lancea Vale Secondary School, a learner was stabbed. These incidents have caused panic among the learners, teachers, and parents. Learning and teaching was disrupted in most high schools in Eldorado Park yesterday. It is alleged that the incidents at Eldorado Park are linked gangsterism in the area which spills into the schools as rival gangs settle their scores.

We commend the parents who are at these schools today protecting their children.

These disturbing events are taking place hardly a week after charismatic pastor, Mboro Paseka Motsoeneng forcefully entered Matsediso Primary School in Katlehong, threatening teachers with pangas.

On Friday last week in Motherwell, Gqeberha four gunmen disrupted a school award ceremony that was taking place in a church. They fired shots into the ceiling, robbed learners, parents and teachers. Among the items stolen were cell phones, a laptop, audio visual equipment and two cars.

These incidents are a clear sign of disrespect towards schools and education by some rogue members of society.

On Monday, three learners from Evaton Primary School in Katlehong died from food poisoning. They fell ill at school and were rushed to hospital where they died. A Grade 8 learner from Tsakane Secondary School also died from suspected rat poisoning. She was one of the two learners who ate rat poison in the school premises. Both were rushed to hospital where one lost her life.

SADTU reiterates its call on the government to invest in tighter security measures in our schools and for all stakeholders in education to heed the Union's call and be protectors of schools through the I Am a School Fan campaign. The campaign calls on all stakeholders to make schools safe havens conducive for teaching and learning. No effective teaching and learning will take place if learners and teachers feel insecure.

ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat

CONTACT:

General Secretary, Mugwena Maluleke: 082 783 2968

Deputy General Secretary, Nkosana Dolopi: 082 709 5651

Secretariat Officer, Xolani Fakude: 071 355 1566

Media Officer, Nomusa Cembi: 082 719 5157

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