GDE wont tolerate illegal activities in schools
Daveyton - The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has been conducting raids at Etwatwa schools with the assistance of law enforcement agencies since October,14, as part of the school safety strategy following the gang and community violence that gripped the community a month ago.
Learning in Etwatwa schools was disrupted during the violence and learners were scared to attend school because of the One Vision Lovers (OVL) gang terrorising students and vandalising schools .
GDE spokesperson Phumla Sekhonyane says learners have the right to learn in a safe and supportive environment.
“A safe school environment is conducive for effective teaching and learning, and schools need to become safe zones for all learners and educators.
Illegal substances such as drugs, alcohol and weapons pose a threat to the safe and supportive environment under which learners are to be taught,” says Sekhonyane.
When schools become suspicious of any drug-related activities or become aware of learners carrying weapons on school premises , the police are called to conduct random searches and drug raids.
Sekhonyane says the department will not tolerate any more disruption and illegal activities in schools around the region.
The department has implemented the following in fighting drugs at schools:
n All schools have been encouraged to develop policies to assist with the curbing of substance abuse.
n School Based Support Teams are continuously utilised to identify different types of drugs and various symptoms.
n Educators in high-risk areas have been trained in general skills to manage substance abuse in schools and have undergone training by the South African Narcotics and Cancer Association (SANCA) on search and seizures.
n Substance abuse is infused within the curriculum through Life Orientation.
n Peer support groups such as the Girl Empowerment Movement (GEMS) and Boy Empowerment Movement (BEMS) have been introduced at secondary schools.
