Premier Mokgoro supports calls for summit on safety in schools
The question on why schools are now dangerous places for learners and teachers should take center stage at the proposed summit that should focus on safety in schools. This is what Premier Job Mokgoro of the North West Province said today while addressing hundreds of mourners attending the funeral of the late Gadimang David Mokolobate, a 24year old teacher who was stabbed to death by a 17 year old learner on 13 September at Ramotshere Moilwa Technical High School in Zeerust.
Mokgoro told the mourners that he fully supports the call for a national summit on safety in schools, adding that the moral regeneration programme should as part of this initiative, be revived.
“We have lost our pride as a people, and we should regain our pride. That loss of pride is reflected in the youth of today, that we are tasked with molding into responsible adults and leaders of tomorrow.
“We still have more to do in ensuring that society undergoes serious moral regeneration and rediscover those values inherited from our forefathers as African people. That time cannot be postponed, that time is now”, said Premier Mokgoro who also maintained that nothing can ever justify the barbaric and brutal murder that took Mr Mokolobate’s life.
Mr Mxolisi Bomvana, the Provincial Chairperson of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU), urged government to prioritise the need for security at schools, saying one death is one too many.
“We call on the society to rise and fight the scourge of violence in our communities and at schools. Society owes much to teachers because theirs is not a job but a human service. Respect must reign supreme at schools”, Bomvana insisted.
Families, friends and colleagues who spoke at the funeral, described Mr Mokolobate who was a Mathematics teacher as a hardworking, versatile and disciplined young man.
“While we plead for justice, we equally call upon young people to act responsibly and safe the life of a teacher, because today teachers fear to reprimand learners”, said the late Mokolobate’s aunt.
Mokolobate started his teaching career at Ramotshere Moilwa Technical High school in May 2017, immediately after obtaining a Bachelors Degree in Electronics from the North West University (Cum-Laude) in the same year.
Among the hundreds of mourners who attended the funeral services were the Chief Justice of South Africa Mogoeng Mogoeng, the MEC for department of Education and Sports Development in the North West, Sello Lehari, the Vice Chancellor of the North West University Prof Dan Kgwadi, Mathanzima Mweli who is the Director General for department of Basic Education, Mahikeng Local Municipality Mayor Cllr Betty Diakanyo, Kgosi Gobusamang Shole of Batloung Boora Shole in Ramatlabama, as well as the Principal, teachers and learners of Ramotshere Technical High.
Enquiries:
Brian Setswambung
Cell: 076 012 4501
E-mail: bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
