Cape Town -As the matric exams near, parents and activists in Kraaifontein are voicing their growing concerns over an unsettling series of fights between two neighbouring schools—Bloekombos Secondary School and Masibambane Secondary School.
The violent clashes, according to Bloekombos Secondary School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson, Linda Pito, happen after school among mostly grade 10 and 11 learners.
In one incident, a 17-year-old learner was injured after he was assaulted and stabbed in the face.
Pito said in some instances, learners were caught bringing knives to school wrapped in between their books, while parents reported that some children were seen with pangas.
Pito, who is also a community safety activist, said while the real reason as to what sparked the fights is unknown, they noted that outside criminal elements also play a role.
“Just last week we received calls from parents who have raised their concerns, they are worried about their children, the matriculants will soon start their exams and they are also worried it might interfere with it.
“Community leaders have already communicated with the police and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) and there is currently high police visibility at the schools in the morning and afternoon, even during school times.”
WCED spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said they are aware of incidents that happened in March, but said no other incidents have since been reported.
“Both schools addressed this with the learners concerned and their parents. The schools requested additional police patrolling in the mornings and afternoons, and for increased police visibility.
“There were also community meetings arranged with police and local community policing forums.
“The situation is currently stable. The schools often meet together for extra-curricular activities.
“The WCED appreciates the combined effort by the schools, community and policing and law enforcement to address the matter. Together we can do more to improve school and community safety.”
Leader of the Opposition in the Western Cape, Khalid Sayed, expressed concern regarding incidents.
“The absence of proactive intervention has allowed the re-emergence of gang culture, transforming our schools into breeding grounds for future criminal activity.”
Provincial Head for the Educators and Allied Workers Union of South Africa (EUSA) André de Bruyn, said: “From our union's perspective, having violence outside our institutions of learning will most definitely influence the mental state of all who are impacted by violence. Whether it is directly or indirectly.
“Especially when the matrics are entering their NSC stage, it is imperative that nothing impacts the learners. EUSA feels that the most direct way in dealing with this situation is making the consequences very clear to learners who engage in such activities.”
“This includes arrests and suspension. This is not a situation to take lightly as serious injury and even death might be a result of these violent clashes. ”
Cape Argus