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- Government’s Stand Against School Violence and Drug Abuse: The South African government emphasizes that violence and drug abuse in schools undermine safety, learning, and the future of young people, and calls for a unified effort to address these issues.
- Promotion of Respect and Discipline in Schools: Schools are urged to maintain safe environments where teachers are respected, and students uphold rules and show respect for peers and staff.
- Active Parental Involvement in Values Education: Parents are encouraged to play a proactive role in instilling values like respect, non-violence, and responsibility at home to complement school efforts.
The South African government has reaffirmed its strong stance against violence and drug abuse in schools, warning that such behaviour undermines learning, safety, and the future of young people.
In a statement released on Monday, government said schools must remain safe environments where teachers are respected for their role in shaping young minds. Violence in schools, it stressed, is unacceptable, and learners must show respect for rules, teachers, and fellow pupils.
Parents were urged to take an active role in the upbringing of their children by instilling values of respect, non-violence, and responsibility at home.
The call comes as reports of school-related violence and drug use continue to raise concern across the country. Learners found in possession of any mind-altering substances will face disciplinary measures as well as the full force of the law, the statement warned.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE), working with the South African Police Service (SAPS), has intensified collaboration to ensure active police participation in schools. The partnership is designed to strengthen early detection of criminal activity, provide support systems for teachers and learners facing threats, and ensure safe and orderly learning environments.
Government further called on communities to report any cases of school violence or criminal activity to their nearest police station or the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
“Schools must be places of safety, discipline and respect. The fight against drugs and violence in schools requires parents, teachers, learners and communities to stand together,” the statement read.
