The DA will submit a written parliamentary question to KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Education MEC, Sipho Hlomuka and his department in order to establish the true state of safety and security at the province’s public schools.
The move comes after a horrific incident earlier today where an educator was fatally shot in full view of pupils at an Inanda school, north of Durban.
While details around the incident remain unclear, it is increasingly evident that the issue of safety and security at our schools remains a heightened concern which must be addressed by the MEC.
A late 2023 study conducted by STATS SA revealed that KZN had the highest percentage of children who experienced violence at school (35.1%). This shows that today’s incident at Phikiswayo Primary School is a microcosm of a major systemic issue that must be urgently addressed.
Exposure to violence can harm a child’s emotional, psychological and even physical development. Children exposed to violence are more likely to have difficulty in school, abuse drugs or alcohol, behave aggressively, suffer from depression or other mental health problems and engage in criminal behaviour as adults.
While the DA notes with appreciation the response by MEC Hlomuka regarding interventions currently in place to assist learners and educators at the school, this is not enough. The children of Phikiswayo Primary must receive ongoing trauma counselling and assessments.
The DA extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the slain educator. We will visit the school today to offer support where we can. We urge SAPS to ensure a swift and thorough probe, those responsible for this heinous crime must be brought to book.