As gang violence continues in Westbury, Johannesburg, the Gauteng Education Department has expressed its concern about how teachers and learners are affected.
The MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, said the latest shooting on Monday in Westbury is deeply concerning, given the impact the ongoing gang-related gun violence has on learners, educators, parents and the broader school community.
“Preliminary information received by the Gauteng Department of Education indicates that five young people were reportedly shot, with three reportedly losing their lives and two sustaining critical injuries. At this stage, the Department has confirmed that one of those who was shot is a learner from R.W. Fick Secondary School. Information regarding the other individuals and their possible association with schools in the area is still being verified,” Maile said.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain subject to investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Maile said the Department will therefore not speculate on the motive or circumstances beyond information verified by the relevant authorities.
Police have maintained a visible presence in the area, while the Department continues to rely on SAPS, including the Anti-Gang Unit, and other law enforcement authorities for security assessments and appropriate interventions.
“We are deeply concerned about the pain being experienced by families who have lost their children and those whose children have been injured. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish those who are injured a speedy recovery. The proliferation of dangerous weapons, including guns, in the hands of young people is deeply troubling and requires the attention of society as a whole,” Maile said.
The violence has significantly affected teaching and learning at several schools in Westbury. Some learners were unable to attend school or write scheduled School-Based Assessment (SBA) Common Papers and preliminary examinations as a result of the unsafe environment.
Maile said learners who missed assessments or examinations will be afforded an opportunity to do so.
“Learners who missed their SBA Common Papers or preliminary examinations because of the unsafe environment will be afforded an opportunity to write. No learner should be academically prejudiced by circumstances beyond their control,” Maile said.
He said the Department has strengthened psychosocial support for learners, educators and families affected by violence. The Teddy Bear Foundation, which forms part of the Department’s rapid response support mechanisms, provides trauma debriefing and child-protection support to affected learners, staff and families.
Affected learners, educators and parents can also access Childline South Africa’s 24-hour toll-free helpline on 116 for counselling and support. Where further intervention is required, learners can be referred to appropriate community-based support services.
“School-based psychosocial programmes will continue supporting learners affected by violence and those identified as vulnerable or at risk. These interventions include peer-support structures and Learner Support Agents, who assist schools in identifying and escalating emerging risks to the appropriate authorities before situations intensify,” Maile said.
The Department also provides learners, educators and parents with information on protocols for preventing and reporting violence and has distributed learning and teaching support material outlining the appropriate steps for reporting incidents and accessing assistance.
School safety interventions will continue, with the Head Office School Safety Unit and district officials monitoring conditions in affected schools. Circuit Management Teams will monitor stability at schools daily.
“Operations in affected schools will be guided by the security situation on the ground. The safety of learners, educators, support staff and district officials remains paramount, and we will continue relying on SAPS and other law enforcement authorities to maintain law and order,” Maile said.
He said the Department remains concerned about possible retaliatory violence and heightened tensions within the community. School communities will therefore continue to be monitored, with interventions adjusted according to developments on the ground.
“We appeal to parents, communities and young people to protect our children and schools from violence. Whatever conflicts exist outside school gates must never be allowed to endanger children or rob them of their right to education,” Maile said.
IOL
Robin-Lee Francke
iol.co.za
