A Gaum: Torch of Peace handover event

16 January 2009

MEC Dr Motsoaledi
Head of Department of the Limpopo Education Department Reverend Nevhutalu
Principal of Khesethwane Secondary School Mr Emmanuel Motsai
Chairperson of the School Governing Body (SGB) Mr LB Mohale
Officials of the Limpopo Department of Education
Learners
Guests

Yesterday, the Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor, received the Torch of
Peace from the Minister of Transport, Mr Jeff Radebe.

She said that “the Torch is a symbolic reminder of the importance of
education in building and developing a safe and caring society”.

And that is what it is, what the Torch campaign is about.

Two years ago, we prioritised 585 schools throughout the country, identified
as “unsafe”. This school is included in that programme.

We have learnt valuable lessons. Violence and vandalism at these schools has
dropped. Some schools report that there has been a change of behaviour among
learners as well.

Principals and teachers at all the 585 schools have been trained in the
Hlayiseka approach to dealing with incidents of crime and violence in schools.
Principals, teachers and learners now know how to take charge and manage crime
in a proactive manner.

We have introduced a number of laws, policies and guidelines that will
assist schools in managing various issues that pose a threat to the school
community.

A template for a code of conduct for learners has been developed and
published.

Substance abuse makes crime in this area.

I would like to remind parents and learners that schools now have much
stronger powers to search learners for weapons and drugs.

I encourage you to make use of the law and the literature government has
provided.

Make informed choices. Say, ‘ke moja’ I am fine without drugs. Action needs
to be taken against shebeens that are close to schools. Get them to open in the
evening when schools are closed. I believe that every adult should be a role
model for our children. I am deeply disturbed by the actions of the few
teachers who are sexual predators in schools. Stop it. Don’t do it. You wreck
lives. You destroy families. You infuriate communities.

Too often boys and men don’t know what sexual harassment is. We can tell
you. We have drawn up “guidelines for the prevention and management of sexual
violence and harassment in public schools.” It will tell you what sexual
harassment is yes “unwanted sexual attention,” that is what it is; name
calling, abuse, bullying and assist school managers manage cases when they
arise.

The Department of Education has embarked on a campaign to lay solid
foundations for learning. We cannot achieve success in this campaign when our
schools are still riddled with crime and violence. We are committed to improve
teaching and learning. We have prioritised literacy and numeracy in primary
schools as a basis for achieving this quality education for all.
We all have a role to play in supporting young South Africans in the critical
areas of literacy and numeracy.

We all have a role to play in helping learners to form and participate in
reading clubs. All of us here today have a role to play in ensuring that the
results for this school improve. “It takes a village to raise a child” here in
the Mawa community. Strengthen the relations between schools, communities and
the local government institutions such as the health, social development and
South African Police Service. Strengthen school-safety committees and
school-based support teams. Strengthen to adopt a cop project. How do you
strengthen? You get involved with parents, teachers and pupils. You get
involved.

As I hand over the Torch of Peace today, I challenge MEC Motsoaledi and this
school community to make schools safer. I look forward to hearing from you
about the measures the province has put in place to improve school safety
Take the message to every school in your province and let us create good
schools and safe school environments.

Thank you.

Issued by: Department of Education
16 January 2009
Source: Department of Education (http://www.education.gov.za)