CAPE TOWN, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The South African government on Monday condemned violence in schools, vowing a "zero tolerance" stance toward such behavior.
"Government condemns all forms of violence in schools, which undermine learning, safety and the future of children," it said in a government news bulletin.
"Schools must be safe spaces, and teachers must be respected for their role in shaping young minds," the government stressed. "Violence in schools is unacceptable, and learners must respect rules, teachers, and peers."
The statement came after a series of recent incidents across the country. On Aug. 22, in KwaZulu-Natal Province, a 17-year-old Grade 10 student was stabbed in the neck outside Trenance Park Secondary School during school hours by two Grade 8 students, who were later handed over to the police. On the same day, a mass brawl at Esther Payne Smith Secondary School in Pietermaritzburg in the same province left two students, aged 15 and 17, with head and leg injuries.
In another case in North West Province, a viral video sparked outrage after showing students at Hoer Tegniese Skool in Klerksdorp dousing a teacher with water on Aug. 19. The students involved were suspended for five days pending disciplinary hearings.
According to the government news bulletin, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is currently working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure active police involvement in creating safe and orderly learning environments.
"The SAPS-DBE collaboration strengthens early detection of criminal activity in schools and provides a support system to teachers and learners facing threats," it said.
