Educators urge collective action to tackle school violence

Cape Winelands Education District Director, Noel Pieterson, says a return to value-based households plays a critical role in curbing rising violence in schools.

Pieterson’s district was honoured at the 11th National Education Excellence Awards at the Sandton Convention Centre today, earning top recognition for best performance in Mathematics, Science, and Accounting.

The annual event brought together hundreds of educators from across the country to celebrate outstanding achievements in the education sector.

Pieterson emphasised that while it’s important for learners to be curious and capable of tackling challenging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects, they must also be nurtured in homes rich in values and moral guidance.

“We need a societal approach—but society begins at home, where children are reared, conditioned, and prepared for the outside world,” he said.

“Too many of our homes are single-parent or child-headed, where parental guidance is either missing or ineffective. This is not just an education issue—it’s a community crisis. A return to value-based home structures is essential.”

His comments come amid growing concerns over the rise in school-based violence.

Educators Call for Collective Responsibility

Tshwane South Education District Director, Andries Nkadimeng, also addressed the awards ceremony, highlighting the importance of passionate, caring educators in shaping responsible learners.

“Children are delicate beings who must be handled with care and attention,” Nkadimeng said.

“I often say, ‘Doctors’ mistakes end up in graves, but our mistakes as educators are roaming the streets’—contributing to unemployment, crime, and other social ills. We must provide quality education to emancipate our children from the shackles of poverty.”

Nkadimeng called on all teachers to rise to the challenge of building” future-ready and responsible learners” to help combat societal issues through education.

He further acknowledged that while law enforcement has a role in addressing criminal behaviours in schools, educators must lead by example to instill values, discipline, and ethical conduct.

Emphasis on Digital Safety and Equity

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Laato Ntwape, Acting Director of the Bojanala Education District, underscored the growing importance of digital literacy – but warned of the risks associated with unsupervised online activity.

Ntwape’s district received the Excellence in Primary School Learning Outcome Support Award.

“Children must learn to analyse digital data, but they also need to be protected online,” he said.

“As a parent, I should know which sites my child visits. At school, teachers play a guiding role, but at home, it’s up to caregivers to be involved and informed.”

He noted that many learners come from marginalised communities, making it vital for government and stakeholders to mobilise resources that ensure digital inclusion – starting as early as the foundation phase.

“The truth is, we all need to come to the party. Digital education is now a core skill – with many companies requiring 80% of employees to have data analysis capabilities,” Ntwape added.

“While we embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution, let’s also protect our children in this new digital era.”

The National Education Excellence Awards continue to serve as a platform for recognising the efforts of districts and educators who go beyond the call of duty to drive meaningful change in South Africa’s education system.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao