Education MEC urges Norkem High parents to discipline their children
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi visited Norkem High again to address the parents at the school regarding learner behaviour, drugs and gang violence
“WHAT should we do with your children if you cannot discipline them?” These were the words of Gauteng MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi when he visited Norkem Park High School on Saturday morning to address the parents at the school regarding learner behaviour, drugs and gang violence.
This follows a previous visit, on August 18, following a video that went viral about a week ago, showing learners fighting each other outside the school on August 14 and 15.
The school subsequently expelled two learners and suspended 10 for being in possession of weapons and engaging in violent behaviour respectively.
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• Teachers assaulted at Norkem High during MEC’s visit
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The meeting was meant to clarify the scale of the problem and hopefully, find solutions to it.
Many parents showed up for the meeting, as well as a representative from the police and former learners.
Lesufi appealed to parents to encourage their children to be ambitious and focus on future aspirations, not instant gratification.
“Parents, I am pleading with you. If a child doesn’t have ambition it will be very difficult for a child to understand their purpose in this world.”
Lesufi has called on parents to actively participate in the education of their children, show up for parent’s meetings, take interest in their future aspirations and minimise distractions so that this country can have a better future.
“When you tell us your child is a handful, what is it that you expect the department to do with your child if you are struggling to discipline them?” asked Lesufi.
The MEC said it was time to change the school around and tough decisions would have to be implemented.
He said starting from the principal, the management and the SGB. Any person who does not play their role would have to go.
According to the department, former learners at the school were also in attendance and expressed their disappointment in the “degeneration of the school”.
A representative of the Norkem SAPS was also present and encouraged parents to check their children’s bags and books as well as be mindful of the friends they keep.
