The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU), in the Province of the Eastern Cape condemns the brutal killing of a school Principal in KwaBhaca, Ngwekazi location on the 28th of August 2024 in Alfred Nzo West District.
It is alleged that Mr Mphakamisi Nciweni, the Principal of Zakhele Primary School was gunned down in the morning of the 28th of August 2024 as he entered the school premises. The circumstances surrounding this brutal killing are not clear and we implore the law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned to find the assailant who killed Mr Nciweni.
As the union, we are extremely concerned about the rising incidents of attacks on teachers in their line of duty. The wanton criminality that is engulfing the country is also rearing its ugly head in our schools, targeting teachers and learners.
Not so long ago, we witnessed attacks on teachers during working hours and had their belongings including cars and cell phones taken from them at gun point. As if that was not enough, schools around the Mthatha area were threatened with violence amid the demands for the so called “protection fee.” The latest incident of the brutal assassination of Mr Nciweni is another in the lengthy list of violent incidents against teachers.
Schools are a microcosm of society and what happens in the society will also find expression in our schools. It is against this background that we wish to call on our communities to rise and protect our schools. They are not only protecting schools but also the future of their children. It is only in a safe and secure environment that effective teaching and learning can take place.
We also call upon our communities, government, and civil society to join the Union’s “I am a school fan” campaign which seeks to foster a culture of learning and teaching through the mobilisation of the community to protect our schools.
In conclusion, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Mr Nciweni, his colleagues, and comrades in the union. We request the department of Education to provide psycho- social support services to both the learners, teachers, and support staff in that school so that they can cope with this tragic loss.
SADTU continues to denounce any form of violence against teachers.
ISSUED BY : SADTU EC Provincial Secretariat
Contact : Provincial Secretary: Ntame Malibongwe
Cell no : 066 249 8639
Provincial Deputy Secretary: Ntombodumo Maqashalala
Cell no : 060 520 1447
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