The Department of Basic Education strongly condemns the alleged statement made by the Chairperson of the Congress of South African Students, Mr Ntsako Mogobe. The call made by Mr Mogobe for learners to hit back at teachers who use physical violence against them is irresponsible and unacceptable.
The statement made by the Chairperson of Congress of South African Students (COSAS) could lead to an increase in the levels and nature of violence at schools. Schools are meant to be sites of learning and teaching. No meaningful learning and teaching can take place when there is a confrontational atmosphere between teachers and learners. It must be clearly understood by all that it is unacceptable and illegal for a teacher to use violence against a learner and it is equally unacceptable and illegal for learners to hit back at teachers.
Legislation such as the South African Schools Act of 1996 (Act 84 of 1996) prohibits corporal punishment or the use of any physical violence against learners at all educational institutions. The abolishment of corporal punishment in schools under the South African Schools Act requires educators to identify and implement alternative disciplinary practices and procedures.
The South African Schools Act clearly states that it is the responsibility of the School Governing Body, in collaboration with the School Management Team, to institute Codes of Conduct for Learners and to manage misconduct by learners accordingly. No learner may use physical violence against any teacher or fellow learner. Disciplinary procedures are clearly spelt out and must be followed.
Discipline in schools is paramount to ensure a positive culture of learning and teaching for both teachers and learners. The real challenge therefore lies in the implementation and maintenance of disciplinary measures and procedures that uphold order in schools with understanding and compassion. It requires energy, insight, consistency and rigour on the part of the educators and commitment and understanding on the part of learners and parents.
Schools have a vital role to play in nurturing the fundamental values of tolerance and respect. Violence of any form is anti-human and ultimately an abusive practice that can entrench the idea that it provides a quick solution to problems that may arise in or beyond the classroom.
Schools must not be turned into battlegrounds that will prevent meaningful learning and teaching taking place. Clearly it is the responsibility of all at school to play their part in ensuring that a positive atmosphere is created and sustained that is conducive to quality learning and teaching.
The Department of Basic Education has clear procedures in place through which alleged incidents involving teachers and learners will be dealt with firmly. Any incident should be officially reported and the department will act.
Source: Department of Education
