Gauteng legislature details 10 causes of school violence

Gauteng legislature details 10 causes of school violence! The findings of a Focused Intervention Study (FIS) aim to curb violence in Gauteng schools. Compiled by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) in collaboration with the Department of Community Safety (DCS), the report highlights the urgent need for a multi-departmental approach to tackle this pressing issue.

Uncovering the Scope of Violence in Schools

The FIS was based on unannounced visits to schools flagged for high levels of violence across the province. The findings revealed a disturbing prevalence of dangerous weapons, substance abuse, gangsterism, and even tribalism, which often leads to bullying among both learners and teachers.

Violence at schools can erupt without warning, as demonstrated during an oversight visit to Eldorado Park, where a learner was stabbed. Such incidents reflect a broader crisis that undermines the safety and future of learners and educators alike.

Key Factors Contributing to Violence

The FIS identified ten primary contributors to school violence, emphasizing two overarching issues: poverty and unemployment. According to the GPL, communities grappling with these socioeconomic challenges often see a spike in gangsterism, bullying, and substance abuse, all of which infiltrate schools.

The key factors contributing to violence include:

1. Dangerous weapons and sharp objects being brought to school.
2. Inadequate security measures.
3. Gangsterism and tribalism.
4. A lack of parental involvement and role models.
5. Insufficient training and support for at-risk learners.
6. Skipping class to gamble and consume substances.
7. Lack of psychosocial support for learners and educators.
8. Minimal involvement of learner councils in school safety planning.
9. A shortage of chairs and desks, causing disputes between learners and teachers.
10. Insufficient sports and recreational facilities.

The Risks of Inaction

The GPL has warned that failing to address these issues could escalate violence, further jeopardizing the future of learners and educators.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by the committee’s statement: “The committee warns that failure to act on these recommendations could lead to escalating violence, further endangering the future of Gauteng learners and educators.”

Recommendations for Safer Schools

The FIS outlines several actionable recommendations to create safer learning environments. These include:

• Conducting random searches for dangerous weapons.
• Increasing security through surveillance equipment and personnel.
• Implementing a stricter substance abuse policy.
• Encouraging greater parental involvement and engagement.
• Providing adequate school furniture to minimize disputes.
• Enhancing psychosocial support for both learners and educators.
• Expanding recreational and sporting facilities to keep learners engaged.

A Collaborative Approach

The FIS recommends that several government departments work together to address these issues comprehensively. The proposed responsibilities for each department include:

• Department of Education: Ensure sufficient school furniture, improve employee wellness, and foster parental involvement.
• Department of Sports, Arts and Culture: Upgrade sports and recreational facilities.
• Department of Social Development: Offer enhanced support to distressed learners, particularly those exposed to violence or substance abuse.
• Department of Community Safety and Law Enforcement: Improve security measures, monitor schools more effectively, and collaborate on anti-drug initiatives.

These departments must work in tandem to address the root causes of violence and implement solutions that foster safer and more nurturing school environments.

A Deadline for Action

To ensure accountability and progress, the FIS has mandated that all relevant departments submit an integrated report on their efforts to implement these recommendations by February 28th.

A Path to Safer Schools

The findings of the FIS highlight the complexities of school violence and the urgent need for a unified, multi-pronged approach to tackle it.

By addressing socioeconomic challenges, improving security, and providing support for learners and educators, Gauteng schools can move toward creating safe, conducive environments for education.

The responsibility now lies with government departments to act swiftly and decisively, ensuring that the safety and future of Gauteng’s learners are safeguarded.