The number of criminal incidents targetting Gauteng schools since the beginning of the year has become “extremely concerning and disappointing for the education department”.
Gauteng MEC for education and youth development Panyaza Lesufi said “it is concerning that the department has lost a total of R121 348 663,40” to theft.
Lesufi said about 256 schools in Gauteng had experienced 262 incidents of theft or vandalism, 187 of bullying and 107 of violence and assault.
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He said in the incidents of theft, burglaries and vandalism, valuable resources meant to enhance the delivery of quality education to learners had been lost.
“Unfortunately, our resources are seen by some as an opportunity to feed their criminal deeds and rob our learners of their right to quality basic education.”
Lesufi said although there was support from law enforcement agencies, the department still believed that more could be done to better security at schools.
“The law enforcement agencies must bring education at the centre of their security analysis, security and risk. This will allow the department to focus on its main mandate.”
Schools in the south district of Pretoria had lost R1 004 500, the north district R433 326 and the west R599.
He said the 54 Pretoria Schools had reported 29 cases of either theft or vandalism, 11 of bullying and 23 of violence or assault.
He appealed to the community to take ownership of their schools and declare war against the criminals targeting the schools.
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“Learners must always focus on their education and avoid ill-discipline,” he said.
Recently, Hoërskool Garsfontein had social media abuzz when a “misunderstanding” led to a brawl between two learners and a mass fight.
Footage of the “misunderstanding” showed learners assaulting each other on the school premises, as the fighting carried on, more learners joined in grabbing, punching and kicking each other.
Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said the fight was not gang-related but a misunderstanding between a senior and junior learners.
“It has since come to our attention that it was a misunderstanding between two boys in grade 12 and grade 9 (sic),” said Mabona.
“Their friends joined the fight, but teachers intervened and stopped the fight.”
Mabona said no injury was reported and the school has instituted disciplinary action against the boys.
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