Violence at local school left parents concerned

Hoërskool Elspark is in the spotlight again following allegations of violence.

ALSO READ: Police conduct search operation at Hoërskool Elspark

The school met with parents on February 23 following incidents of alleged racism at the school in recent weeks.

Before the meeting, GCN was approached by a group of parents who stated that they live in fear of what will happen to their children at school.

They were hesitant to have their names published but provided emails, photos, videos and voice notes of incidents that seem to portray racism and conflict between black and coloured learners.

They alleged the February 23 meeting was prompted by an attack on coloured girl learners inside a school bathroom that led to learners calling their parents to pick them up from school.

Parents provided GCN with photos of a boy’s hand injured in another incident amidst an altercation, which resulted in the boy getting stitches and later surgery.

The parents’ meeting included a delegation from the Gauteng Department of Education to speak to parents about their concerns.

ALSO READ: Elsburg conducts a school operation at Hoërskool Elspark

GCN was invited by parents to be part of the meeting as they felt transparency was needed. GCN was also listed on the City of Ekurhuleni’s whip of council list of attendees for the meeting.

The department refused GCN entry to the meeting.

This came a day after GCN visited the school on February 22 with a delegation from the whip of council’s office that had also received complaints from parents.

In a letter dated February 20, the school also provided parents with feedback from the SGB.

Parents were informed that a delegation from the GDE and a representative from the MEC’s office had visited the school to address the school management team and learners.

The letter stated that improved security will be implemented with the help of the SAPS, and the local CPF and more guards from the security company will be allocated to the school which will also use metal detectors.

ALSO READ: Hoërskool Elspark: Parents speak out after two are stabbed

Learners were warned that those involved in fights and threats to other learners will be suspended until a disciplinary hearing.

This is not the first time the school has been in the spotlight.

GCN reported in November 2020 that two learners were stabbed and later hospitalised following an incident of school violence. Parents then told GCN they only became aware of the incident through social media.

In response to the GCN’s media inquiry, GDE stated that it is “deeply concerned about racial tensions leading to fights amongst learners at Höerskool Elspark”.

“The committee commenced with disciplinary processes on February 28 and the outcome thereof will be communicated to all affected parties. Twenty-six learners were suspended and investigations continue with more learners identified,” said the spokesperson for the Department of Education, Steve Mabona.

ALSO READ: Watch: Concerned parents gather at Hoërskool Elspark following incident of school violence

“Necessary investigations were launched against implicated educators. The outcomes of the investigation will be communicated in due course,” said Mabona.

He said the department has implemented programmes to offset some of the challenges at the school.

These included:

1. Assembly to address learners on acceptable/unacceptable behaviour whilst at school.

2. Meeting with the school management team and educators on reporting incidents and action to be taken. Their role in learner discipline and performing their core duty of curriculum delivery was emphasised.

3. Capacitating the School Governing Body (SGB) and principal on disciplinary procedures for learners. The constitution requires that the rights and responsibilities of victims and perpetrators are upheld at all times and consequently an extensive disciplinary procedure must be followed by the implantation of corrective measures.

ALSO READ: Watch: Atmosphere at Hoërskool Elspark is “tense”

4. Unannounced morning blitz and searches in partnerships with SAPS and Metro Police, Correctional Services and school security.

5. Psycho-social support for learners and educators.

SAPS action

After complaints of assault were reported to Elsburg SAPS, police and other partners searched the school on February 22.

The search was aided by the Department of Education, the EMPD, the Department of Correctional Services, and security firms.

According to Elsburg SAPS communications officer Sergeant Daphney Phooko, the assault charges are being investigated.

“Before learners could enter the building, a caravan of law enforcement agencies met them when they arrived at the school. Learners were found with prohibited items during the search,” Phooko said.

“The learners were reminded not to bring illicit objects onto the school grounds. Some learners are suspected of being members of gangs and are engaged in drug dealing or selling. They reportedly frequently assault one another,” said Phooko.