By Lebone Rodah Mosima
A violent fight between two female learners in Bilanyoni township has prompted a KwaZulu-Natal education department investigation after footage spread online and allegations emerged that some community members encouraged the brawl.
The pupils are reported to be from Kanyekanye High School and Kwasa High School, near Vryheid in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The altercation, filmed in full view of other learners and community members, circulated widely on social media and drew condemnation from the education department.
ALSO READ: North West education targets R24m in staff debt
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education Sipho Hlomuka said the department was also concerned by allegations that some community members had not only watched the violence but in some cases incited it.
“Schools must remain safe havens for teaching and learning. We cannot allow a culture of violence to take root within our communities and spill over into our schools. Those who incite or participate in such acts are failing our children and must be held accountable,” Hlomuka said.
ALSO READ: Two Gauteng learners killed in separate stabbings
The department said it was working with both schools to investigate the circumstances of the incident and would apply disciplinary measures in line with school policies. It also said psycho-social support would be provided to the learners involved and to others affected by witnessing the fight.
The department said it would meet with community leaders and law enforcement to address the root causes of the behaviour and to reinforce the responsibility to protect learners.
