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Violence in Schools Sparks Call for Action from Education Activist
A violent clash at a Johannesburg school has reignited debate about safety in South Africa’s classrooms. Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has called on both government and parents to step in and help restore peace before more young lives are put at risk.
A Fight that Spilled into Violence
The incident unfolded at Hoërskool Roodepoort earlier this week, where a principal and several learners were injured in a stabbing. The altercation stemmed from tensions between learners from Roodepoort and nearby West Ridge High School, escalating after a video of a fight between pupils went viral on social media.
Instead of remaining places of learning, schools in the area briefly became battlegrounds, leaving parents, teachers, and the wider community shaken.
A Principal’s Courage
Makaneta highlighted the bravery of the principal, who was hurt while trying to break up the fight. “A principal’s role is to lead, guide, and protect, not to bleed on the school grounds they serve,” he said, praising her courage and commitment to protecting her learners despite personal risk.
The statement captured the distress many South Africans feel. Principals and teachers already shoulder immense pressure with overcrowded classrooms, lack of resources, and discipline challenges. Adding physical danger to their responsibilities paints a bleak picture of the state of some schools.
Accountability and Responsibility
Makaneta stressed that the learners responsible must be held accountable. But his appeal extended beyond punishment. He urged government officials, education authorities, and parents to work together to re-establish discipline and safety in schools.
“Schools are meant to foster safe environments where young people can be nurtured,” he explained. Without unity between families, educators, and authorities, he warned, violence will continue to disrupt learning and scar communities.
Beyond Roodepoort
While this week’s incident has shone a spotlight on Roodepoort, it reflects a broader concern. School violence has become a recurring issue in South Africa, with videos of fights regularly circulating online and fuelling copycat behaviour.
Parents on social media have echoed Makaneta’s call, with many expressing frustration at the lack of discipline and support structures. Some have called for more counsellors and safety officers in schools, while others have urged parents to play a stronger role in guiding children’s behaviour outside the classroom.
A Call for Peace in Education
At its heart, the message is clear: schools must once again become safe spaces where learners and educators can focus on growth and learning, not survival. The plea from activists and communities alike is for urgent collaboration to restore peace in classrooms before more tragedies unfold.
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Source: EWN
Featured Image: Teach Hub
