Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
11 September 2024 | 19:01 CAT

For illustrative purposes. Picture: Facebook/Mpumalanga DCSSL

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) has urged parents to watch their children to ensure they do not bring weapons and unwanted items to school.

The call by SADTU, prompted by the urgent need to address a growing concern, came after it was found that pupils were freely entering school premises with dangerous weapons and drugs.

SADTU in Mpumalanga has criticized the Department of Education for failing to prevent pupils from entering schools with dangerous weapons and illegal items.

On Tuesday, the police, led by community safety, security and liaison MEC Jackie Macie, arrived unannounced at Bhekiswako, Siphumelele, Khanyisani and Lungisani secondary schools, where they confiscated knives, machetes, hammers, daggas, illicit cigarettes and crushed pills.

MEC Jackie Macie, stressing the crucial role of parents, urged them to watch their children to ensure they did not bring weapons and unwanted items to school.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, the Spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Education, Jasper Zwane, welcomed the call for parents to get involved and ensure that it does not bring such illegal contraband onto school premises.
“It is a fair call from SADTU which we really appreciate as our view is that education is so important in that it cannot be relegated to the Department of Education alone,” says Zwane.

Zwane emphasized that while education starts at a primary level, parents are responsible for teaching their children.

“We join the call that says parents should be at all times vigilant and ensure that all items their children take to school should enhance learning and teaching,” Zwane added.

Concerns about safe schools have been a topic of conversation for years now.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and the Spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Education, Jasper Zwane, here.