MISA calls for safer schools during Child Protection Week
Far too many learners face violence, bullying, gangsterism, sexual abuse, and harassment at South African schools that are supposed to be safe environments.
This is why MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, is calling for urgent collaboration between government, civil society, communities, and trade unions to ensure that learner safety remains a national priority as part of the Union's Child Protection Week awareness campaign.
"South Africa's Constitution states that the best interests of a child are of paramount importance in every matter concerning that child. Yet our schools are increasingly becoming unsafe environments," says Martlé Keyter, MISA's Chief Executive Officer: Operations.
In February, Dyana Coetzee, a 14-year-old learner at Atlantis Senior Secondary School, and Eugene Titus, a taxi operator, were shot dead in an alleged taxi-war-related incident at the school. Two other learners were injured.
Just a month earlier, learners witnessed the tragic shooting at Ntabankulu Primary School in the Eastern Cape, which resulted in the deaths of three educators and left another fighting for her life in hospital.
"Child Protection Week must remind us that schools are not immune to violence. Every child deserves a safe environment where they can learn without fear. We cannot allow violence and abuse to suffocate dreams or reduce education to a battle for survival. Protecting children is a collective responsibility that rests with all of us," says Keyter.
In April, the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) appealed to the Department of Basic Education to strengthen security measures at schools across the country, warning that both educators and learners are increasingly being targeted by criminals.
According to NAPTOSA, many teachers have reported incidents of violence at schools but are reluctant to open criminal cases for fear of intimidation and harassment. At the time of the appeal, the Department had not publicly responded to these concerns.
"We cannot wait for another tragedy to strike before action is taken. The Department of Basic Education must take the lead in mobilising schools, unions, communities, and law enforcement agencies to create safer learning environments for all children," says Keyter.
MISA and NAPTOSA are both affiliated with the Federation of Trade Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA).
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager of MISA's Media and Communication Department, on behalf of the Union.
For media enquiries, contact Phakamile Hlubi-Majola on 083 367 6417 or email [email protected].
#PROUDLYMISA #MISALEADS #MISACARES #MISAONTHEMOVE #MISAFAMILY