Sadtu concerned at recent violence in KZN schools
The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) says reports of violence in schools indicate that they are no longer the safe heavens they are meant to be.
"We are asking ourselves and communities why is this thing happening when we are supposed to be having peace in our schools and societies?" asks the union's Mugwena Maluleke.
The teachers' union says the spike in the number of violent incidents is alarming.
In KZN, a 17-year-old Sonyongwane High School learner took her own life last week, allegedly after she was bullied by schoolmates about her appearance.
A principal in Newcastle escaped unharmed when gunmen opened fire on him in his office.
Maluleke says reports of bullying, suicide, stabbing and shootings have already reached worrying levels this year.
"We also see sexual harassment and assault as one of the worst violence that any child can be subjected to by those who are supposed to be parents. As an organisation, we are utterly shocked by these events."
On Tuesday, KZN Education quelled tensions at Skofill Secondary School in the Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Local Municipality.
Anger over a shortage of school desks triggered a fight among pupils.
A teacher who tried to defuse the situation was allegedly assaulted on Friday.
MEC Mbali Frazer condemned the violence and ordered desks and tables to be delivered by next week.
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