The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) condemns the senseless act of violence in which a 46-year-old primary school teacher was brutally shot and murdered in front of her students. This horrifying incident not only claims the life of an educator but also shatters the sense of safety that should be inherent in our schools. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, colleagues and the pupils.
We call for the arrest of the killers, speedy prosecution and long imprisonment without possibility of parole.
Kwazulu-Natal, already known for its high crime rates, is facing an alarming number of paid killings and gang violence. In such an environment, schools should remain sanctuaries of safety and learning. The recent attack shows the failure of the government to ensure that schools are protected environments where teachers and students can focus on education without fear.
The trauma inflicted on the pupils who witnessed this tragedy cannot be understated. Immediate counselling services must be provided to help them cope with the psychological impact of such a violent event. The government must take urgent steps to address these safety concerns, including implementing stringent security measures in schools. This should encompass regular safety audits, the installation of surveillance cameras, and the presence of security guards to safeguard both students and educators. It is crucial that we do not allow this incident to be an isolated tragedy, like others. Instead, it should serve as a catalyst for a systemic change in how government deals with violence in schools.
SAFTU urges the government to take decisive action to ensure that schools are safe. The protection of our children and teachers must be a paramount priority.
However, we note that government will not entirely succeed in making schools safe if it does not make our communities safe. Schools are merely microcosms of our society, and any ill in society will spill into school in one way or another, including violence. The high crime rate, including the high murder rate in which South Africa records an average of 85 murders per day, is a serious course for concern. Unless drastic combative measures are taken, including elevating people out of poverty, the situation will continue to deteriorate.
