Teachers assaulted at Norkem High during MEC’s visit
'We really cannot be afraid of the children we are supposed to teach'
Two Norkem Park teachers were assaulted by learners at the school on Friday morning while the MEC for Gauteng Education was in a meeting with senior staff and school governing body (SGB) members to discuss learner violence at the school the past few days.
This was Panyasa Lesufi’s second visit to a Kempton Park school in a matter of weeks. In July he intervened at Windsor House Academy when a dispute erupted about the girls’ hairstyles.
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“I am truly sorry that teachers must work in this kind of environment. We really cannot be afraid of the children we are supposed to teach. As I am speaking to you, a member of the SGB caught another learner with alcohol. This kind of behaviour is unacceptable,” said Lesufi.
Lesufi visited the school after embarrassing footage of Grade Nine girls fighting over boyfriends was circulated on social media. Numerous videos, recorded by learners watching the incident on August 14, landed on social media.
Lesufi announced to an assembly of learners, staff and the media that 10 girls were suspended and the two boys believed to be the boyfriends, were also to be expelled.
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The governing body is working with the department to ensure that a message condemning this kind of behaviour is sent out.
According to Lesufi, 18 learners were identified as members of small gangs who involved themselves in the altercations.
“There is lawlessness in this school and I will never allow a Yozo Yizo (corrupt and unruly school) under my leadership. We will not allow a few learners to spoil education for the hundreds who want an education,” he said.
Lesufi said the SGB would conduct thorough investigations and he did not want them to rush. He would rather see the SGB spend most of their time addressing the needs of the good learners who respect their education, instead of focusing on the culprits.
