The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the Gauteng Province is perturbed by the recent increase in the number of killings and attacks at learning institutions around the province.

Learning institutions have become playfields for appalling incidences such as gangsterism, bullying, murders and playgrounds for drug-dealers, while parents expect those institutions to be of the safest environment that transform their children into the hopes of South Africa’s future.

The recent stabbing incident which took place at Geluksdal Secondary School in Brakpan has shaken the country while learners have to bear the brunt of the subsequent trauma. The gruesome killing of TUT student Ntokozo Xaba left the nation outraged and hurt at the fact that our justice system is still failing on GBV attacks.  Lest we forget the Kagiso shooting where a horrid attack took place whereby, a teacher shot an intruder. These incidences display a clear picture of the state of safety on school premises.

The economic state of the province, where poverty is at its highest, lack of safety and security within our schools, the high rate of inequality amongst the society as well as racism which still remains one of the biggest challenges and requires urgent attention by the government, are  believed to be the main contributors to the instability in the province.

COSATU Gauteng acknowledges the statement made by MEC Chiloane, however, is of the view that the promises made are not enough, as more learners and educators are prone to losing their lives within school premises as well as in their respective communities. We call for the Basic Department of Education to conduct further investigations on how and why occurrences such as drug use, bullying as well as the possession of deadly weapons within the school premises is possible. We also recommend that safety and security measures are hardened within learning institutions to prevent more fatalities.

The department should have engagements with its stakeholders to address this. We also encourage the adoption of SADTU‘s “I’m a school fan campaign” which is driven by deep concern over the increase in violence at and around schools.

COSATU Gauteng would like to offer heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Xaba Family, the Mphela Family and wishes speedy recoveries to educators who were injured during the incident and hopes that justice will prevail.

Issued by COSATU Gauteng

Provincial Chairperson: Amos Monyela

079 493 5002                      

Provincial Secretary: Louisah Modikwe

082 297 2659 / 074 2266 879