“Schools are declared drug free zone” is a statement from the Department of Education following the recent article on “Teachers set no example for parents or learners” published on 20 March by the newspaper.
After questions were sent to the departments spokesman Mr Jasper Zwane, he informed the Highvelder that drug intake is prohibited in our schools, and schools are declared a drug free zone.
Mr Zwane also conceded that from time to time they do receive indications that there are a pocket of areas where learners are found in possession of such substance. In which case schools governing bodies are urged to act decisively since they are the custodians for developing and enforcing the learner code of conduct.
“The department is collaborating with the Department of Community Safety and Liaison to free schools from such. There are a number of programmes that are implemented to rid this practice.What makes more impact is when parents come to the party and play a meaningful role in ensuring that their children do not indulge in drugs,”said Mr Zwane in an e-mail.
Regarding teachers taking drugs at school, Mr Zwane said such instances must be reported and the department has to act.
He further stated that teachers code of conduct denounces such a conduct and section 8 of the South African Schools Act states in part that “Subject to any applicable law, a school governing body must adopt a code of conduct for the learners after consultation with parents and educators of the school which will bind all parties concerned.
Should anyone wish to report learners or teachers using drugs within school premises, the first point of contact is the principal who will alert the School Governing Body in the case of learners conduct and alert the department in a case where a teacher is involved.
