The National Association of School Governing Bodies (Nasgb) is calling on its members to strengthen the legal side of their operations, such as the learners’ code of conduct and discipline policies.
The association’s call follows the altercation that recently took place at Glenvista High School between a teacher and pupil.
Guys what’s happening at Glenvista High?😭#UthandoNesthembu#KaizerChiefs #Sundowns pic.twitter.com/QUC8EmzySk
— N. (@nonkanyisso) May 2, 2024
The Nasgb has strongly condemned the incident, which is being investigated by the Gauteng Department of Education.
Various other quarters have also criticised the episode, with some organisations raising concerns over what seems to be a growing trend of schools lacking discipline and the need for respect to be restored in the education system.
A study by the African Journal of Teacher Education on the topic “Student-on-teacher violence in South Africa’s Tshwane South District of Gauteng Province: Voices of the victims” recommends that the Basic Education Department employ stricter measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all educators.
It further implores all sectors of the community including parents, police services and social development and support services, to collaborate to ensure safe schools in South Africa.
Speaking to YNews, the General Secretary of the Nasgb, Matakanye Matakanye, says parents and guardians also need to play their roles.
Matakanye says social media has played a pivotal role in exposing the violence and disrespect teachers deal with on daily basis.
He has called for an investigation into the behaviour of all the Glenvista High learners who were present when the educator engaged in a brawl with a learner as well as that of the teacher in question.
Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta, has called on government to expand the existing support structures of mental health in schools.
Makaneta says both teachers and learners go through a lot in life, and it is important to create an environment where counseling and therapy is always available for everyone within the schooling environment.
Looking at this incident, the activist says it is evident that there are deep-seated challenges, including the lack of discipline, that must be addressed.
South Africans have also shared their perspective on incident.
This is someone’s father bafwethu, teachers are going through a lot, these born frees are a lost generation. 🙄 pic.twitter.com/rKmOlj7okm
— Thabiso Sthabi Mo🇿🇦 (@mo_thabiso) May 3, 2024
Gauteng education department to probe Glenvista High School fight.
KICK THE THUGS OUT. CHARGE THE PARENTS. BRING BACK DISCIPLINE. How is it acceptable for ‘children’ to behave like this?— pamela (@PamelaSalalah) May 4, 2024
Prison wardens are safer than teachers because they know they are dealing with criminals are are properly equipped for it. Teachers are dealing with criminals but are only armed with pens and chalk.
— Cllr_Welekazi💙🇿🇦 (@African_Spring) May 3, 2024
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