Note to Editors: Please note Sakhile Mngadi, MPL sound bites in English and isiZulu
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) strongly condemns the fatal stabbing of a learner at Dr Joseph Shabalala Secondary School in Ladysmith. The incident is reportedly linked to violence between rival groups and comes amid ongoing concerns around gangsterism among learners at the school.
The DA calls on KZN’s DoE, the SAPS and community safety structures to urgently conduct school safety risk assessments, strengthen access control measures, intensify random searches and increase the presence of social workers and learner support services within our schools.
This tragic incident once again highlights the growing crisis of violence, intimidation and criminal behaviour infiltrating schools across our province. Schools are meant to be safe spaces for learning and development – not environments where learners fear for their lives.
The DA in KZN is deeply concerned that incidents involving weapons, gang influence and violent altercations among learners are becoming increasingly common in parts of the province. Without urgent intervention, more young lives will continue to be placed at risk.
KZN’s Department of Education (DoE) cannot continue to respond after tragedies occur. Proactive measures including a coordinated and preventative school safety strategy are urgently required, particularly in identified hotspot areas where gangsterism and violence are escalating.
As a responsible partner within the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA will raise this matter within KZN’s Education portfolio committee and push for a comprehensive provincial intervention plan to combat violence and gangs within schools.
Our thoughts remain with the learner’s family, fellow learners, educators and the broader school community during this difficult time.