Government urged to urgently address violence at schools in Eldos

Calls are mounting for the government to intervene as cases of violence continue to surge in Eldorado Park Schools.

Two grade 8 pupils from Lancea Vale Secondary School in the area have been arrested and charged with arson.

At least three classrooms caught fire yesterday afternoon.

Police say the flames were noticed by officers who were patrolling the area and were informed that the fire was started by some learners.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire flared up in a room located on the first floor of the building.

The learners, both aged 14, will appear in the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court soon.

This incident comes a week after a learner was stabbed by a fellow learner at the same school, bringing into the spotlight once again, the issue of gangsterism in the area.

Social activist, Dereleen James, says schools in the area have become crime scenes and Eldos has become a mirror image of the Cape Flats.

She says government departments need to urgently step in to avoid more damage and bloodshed.

“The fact that education is disrupted is a great concern and we are calling on all heads, especially education and SAPS to sit down with community leaders and look at interventions that speak to how best we support the learners who are at risk because disconnecting them from education cannot be an option.”

No injuries were sustained in the fire.

Meanwhile education activist, Hendrick Makaneta, has suggested that CCTV cameras be installed at hotspots in Eldorado Park.

He believes this could help in curbing the high crime rate. Makaneta had previously called on Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to deploy the army to Eldorado Park to fight fire with fire.

He says the government has a role to play in ensuring a safe learning environment for learners and educators.

 

School safety has been a contentious issue in Gauteng, over the past few weeks, where learners and teachers have been left traumatized.

The Education Department’s Steve Mabona has called on parents to play their role in making sure their children are not exposed to violence at home or outside of school.

Social media users took to X, to voice out their frustration over what is happening in Eldorado Park.

Atleast you guys didn’t say it’s related gangsterism like you always do.. i am still looking for the gangsters in Eldorado Park..

— ThisIsClaudia (@claudiathis1) August 21, 2024

The question then would be do you live in Eldorado Park.  Daily there are shootings in relation to territory and drugs. If you are originally from Eldos & don’t see the dump it has become then you need your eyes seen to.

— Pie12345 (@Pie123451) August 21, 2024

We breath a Sigh of relief every afternoon when our kids come home afterschool, because the area where they attend has become so violent,  Gangstars are everywhere,some of these schools are near the most notorious Flats in Eldorado park

— Ma Nkosi (@Busisiw87175397) August 20, 2024

 

@DBE_SA @AldrinSampear @Siviwe_G @MorningLiveSABC

Currently  situation in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg.

Burning of Lancea Vale Schoolthis is so heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/2FnHhj7CWD

— imaan suliman (@imaansuliman) August 20, 2024