Education dept condemns assault on Sosh learners as punishment for allegedly being late
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has strongly condemned an alarming incident at Soshanguve South Secondary School on May 19, when community members allegedly assaulted learners for arriving at school late.
According to GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona, community members forcefully entered the school premises after overpowering scholar patrollers.
Once inside, they allegedly began beating up learners in front of staff.
The group is also said to have verbally abused the principal for trying to intervene.
'We strongly condemn this unacceptable act of violence and urge community members to refrain from taking the law into their own hands,' said Mabona.
'Physical violence or intimidation, especially against children and education officials, can never be justified, regardless of the frustration over issues like lateness.'
The department confirmed that an assault case has been opened with police, and that psycho-social support services are being extended to affected learners and staff.
'While we acknowledge the frustrations that may arise from issues such as lateness, under no circumstances can physical violence or intimidation be justified, especially when directed at children and education officials,' said Mabona.
Mabona said such actions not only traumatise learners and staff, but also undermine the safe and supportive learning environment 'we are committed to upholding in all our schools'.
'We appeal to all stakeholders to work collaboratively with the department and school leadership through proper channels to resolve concerns lawfully and constructively.'
Bongani Ramontja, Chairperson of Soil of Africa, said this act is a stark reminder of the pervasive culture of violence in some Tshwane schools.
'As an organisation, we will not tolerate such atrocities. The principal's actions constitute an egregious abuse of power, and the community members involved have taken the law into their own hands.
Section 10 of the South African Schools Act (Act 84 of 1996) explicitly prohibits corporal punishment. The Constitution of South Africa, Section 12(1)(c), guarantees the right to freedom from all forms of violence.'
He demanded the immediate suspension of the principal pending investigation.
'We demand the arrest and prosecution of community members involved, suspension of teachers who failed to intervene, dismissal and revocation of the principal's qualifications if allegations are substantiated and thorough investigation and accountability from the department.'
[STORY] The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has strongly condemned an alarming incident at Soshanguve South Secondary School on May 19, when community members allegedly assaulted learners for arriving at school late.
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