A ‘no to bullying and violent crimes’ awareness campaign is being held at schools in the Alfred Duma area as many have been infiltrated by ‘gangster groups’.
The campaign was organised by the Alfred Duma Municipality, Department of Education, Management, Ezakheni SAPS and the SGB Leadership of Sakhelwe High School. It was held for all schools within the Ezakheni area, but was mainly directed at learners of the Sakhelwe High School. “Our schools have been infiltrated by “gangster groups” and “chaotic cabals” formed by learners. These groupings exist even within the residential areas of Ezakheni and surrounding areas, membership thereof comprising both learners and the youth in particular,” said Alfred Duma Municipal Mayor, Vincent Madlala, during the awareness campaign. Through inter-governmental relations, the municipality convened the meeting along with the Department of Education, Management and the SGB Leadership of Sakhelwe High School, learners and parents, SAPS, community-based organisations and various community leaders within the vicinity of Ezakheni E Section to address this ‘ever increasing challenge’. “We need to put an end to the ongoing school violence and bullying taking place,” added Madlala.
Sakhelwe High School has reported several incidents of violent rivalry among learners associated with gangs. The school has turned into a battlefield and many learners have been stabbed as a result, and some have been expelled. Dangerous weapons have been confiscated on many occasions by SAPS. This has negatively affected innocent learners. Through this initiative, Madlala hopes that all stakeholders, especially the Department of Education and SAPS will deploy the relevant resources aimed at assisting teachers, parents and learners to get rid of this problem at schools. “This is a call for joint action both from the government and the community to collectively unite to resolve this unwarranted behaviour displayed by some of the learners,” he added.
