The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is grappling with a wave of crises, from stabbings and assaults to bullying and suspensions.
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that on October 23, a Grade 9 learner was reportedly stabbed at Boksburg High School in Ekurhuleni. It is alleged that a group of boys jumped over the school fence and carried out the attack on the school premises.
“According to information received, approximately eight boys were involved in the attack. They have since been arrested and are currently detained at Boksburg Police Station. The injured learner is receiving medical attention.”
Mabona added that the Psychosocial Support Unit has been deployed to the school to provide trauma counselling for the victim, classmates, and educators, while working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“The Department is working closely with the SAPS to ensure that justice is served and that safety measures at the school are reviewed and strengthened,” he added.
In a separate bullying incident, the department received a report of an attack on Wednesday, October 22, at Oos-Rand Commerce & Entrepreneurship School of Specialisation in Reiger Park, Boksburg.
A video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows a group of female learners physically assaulting another girl on school grounds.
“The Department condemns this behaviour in the strongest terms. The implicated learners have been identified, and disciplinary processes are currently underway in accordance with the school’s Code of Conduct.”
He added that the school management will take disciplinary action against the learner involved.
Meanwhile, Mabona confirmed that the GDE has suspended two Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI) staff, an Educator Assistant and a General Assistant, following an incident on in which a Grade 5 learner at Dimakatso Primary School in Soshanguve was injured.
Mabona said preliminary reports indicate that on Wednesday, October 22, around 09:00, the Grade 5 boy learner was asked by the Educator Assistant to help move workbooks from the library to a classroom. While in the library, an axe allegedly fell and struck the learner, injuring his hand.
He added that the learner was immediately taken for medical attention and is currently admitted to a local hospital, while an investigation into the incident is underway.
“An internal investigation into the incident is underway, and both implicated BEEI employees have been suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of the investigation,” he said.
Mabona further added that the district social workers have been assigned to provide psychosocial support to the learner, his family, and the broader school community.
GDE MEC Matome Chiloane condemned the spate of violence, from stabbings to bullying, and reaffirmed the department’s zero-tolerance stance on school misconduct.
He also confirmed that officials will closely monitor the affected learner’s recovery.
“We are extremely concerned about this unfortunate incident and are closely monitoring the learner’s recovery. The safety and well-being of our learners remain our top priority.”
The Star
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