South African schools are facing a widening safety crisis involving violence, gangsterism, criminal activity and school bullying, with incidents reported in Gauteng and the Western Cape. Recent cases have raised concerns about the protection of learners and educators, while research points to gaps in teacher preparedness and support.
Searches for “school bullying” increased by 202% during the week pupils returned for the third term on 21 July, according to an analysis of search-trends data by Teneo Online School. The increase reached about 1 000 searches for the month, suggesting heightened parental concern as learners returned to the classroom.
The concern is supported by research indicating that around four in 10 South African pupils have experienced cyberbullying during their school careers. A separate study found that 67% of teenagers had witnessed cyberbullying, even when they were not directly targeted. Traditional bullying also remains widespread, with between 22% and 33% of more than 7 000 primary schoolchildren reporting that they had been physically hit by other children.
SMread: BELA rules face scrutiny over teacher support
Violence and bullying affect schools nationwide
In Gauteng, armed suspects allegedly entered Iphutheng Primary School in Alexandra and fired warning shots, causing learners and educators to flee. Near Waverley Girls’ High School, armed suspects allegedly fired shots into the air during a hijacking before leaving the area.
A stop-and-search operation at Badirile Secondary School in Khutsong, Carletonville, also uncovered knives, a fork, scissors and vapes among learners. The operation involved the Gauteng Department of Education, the South African Police Service, Gauteng Traffic Police, traffic wardens, community policing forums, patrollers and community members.
In the Western Cape, police opened a murder investigation after the death of a Grade 10 pupil at Bellville South High School following an alleged assault by another learner. Six Milnerton High School learners were expelled in February after a bullying incident, while eight learners linked to the matter face charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Image via Northland Child Psychiatry.
