Increase in Violence Against Teachers in South African Schools

1 min read
violence education

The recent assault of a 35-year-old teacher by a Grade 9 learner in a Western Cape school has highlighted increased violence against teachers in South African schools.

Statistics

According to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), in the first quarter of this year alone, 23 staff members were assaulted by learners, including a cleaner and a security guard.

Incident Details

The teacher, who remains anonymous, stated that the assault could have been prevented if the school had acted on previous complaints regarding discipline. However, the assault was preceded by verbal abuse, and other learners were involved. After the incident, the teacher received no support from the school and was instead reported to the Department of Labour. The teacher has since opened a criminal case and awaits the outcome of the disciplinary hearing and police investigation. The incident has left her emotionally scarred.

Support for Teachers

The WCED supports teachers who have been attacked, including psycho-social support and wellness programs. The Employee Health and Wellness Programme (EHWP) offers professional support for various issues, including family challenges, financial advice, relationships, medical advice, and work-related challenges. In addition, the EHWP provides teachers with a toll-free number to have confidential conversations with counselors who will provide counseling support.

Support Programs

Trauma, personal relationships, work-related relationships and conflict, and other issues are identified as the most prevalent issues by the department. In January, the WCED issued a circular regarding the process to be followed in violence against school employees. In addition, district psycho-social support teams provide training and workshops within schools to help teachers deal with stressful classroom situations and manage problem behavior.

Online resources are also available to provide guidance and tips for teachers to use in the classroom. Sessions on ‘trauma-informed schools’ and emotional first aid training have also been provided to thousands of teachers across the province. In addition, every district has a positive behavior support program to help capacitate teachers in dealing with disruptive behavior in the classroom.

Collaboration with Other Departments

The WCED works with Safe Schools to supplement the services of department-employed psychologists and social workers by working with the Department of Health, the Department of Social Development, and NGOs.

To ensure the safety of teachers and provide the necessary support to those who have been victims of violence, the WCED must take urgent action. Teachers should be made aware of the EHWP and encouraged to use it. Schools must implement and enforce disciplinary sanctions against learners who engage in violent behavior and provide teachers with the necessary training and resources to manage problem behavior in the classroom.

Environmentalist and Outdoor Enthusiast. Amanda is a nature-loving, energetic, and enthusiastic environmentalist who has dedicated her life to exploring and protecting Cape Town's stunning natural landscapes. She is an experienced hiker, wildlife enthusiast, and advocate for sustainable tourism.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Western Cape Government Takes Steps Towards Energy Resilience

Next Story

The City of Cape Town’s No-Cost Transfer Initiative Empowers Residents and Stimulates Economic Growth

Latest from Blog

The Anticipation Builds: Mamelodi Sundowns vs AmaZulu in Historic DStv Premiership Matchup

Football fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu FC in the DStv Premiership. Sundowns, with their impressive track record, is a force to be reckoned with, while AmaZulu is a renewed competitive spirit, making for a historic matchup. Social media is buzzing with excitement, and all eyes are on the game set to take place on December 6th at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban. Ultimately, South African football emerges as the ultimate victor in this fiercely competitive league.

Can Sharks benefit from Shark Cage Diving?

Shark cage diving offers shark lovers an extraordinary opportunity to witness these ancient creatures in their natural habitat. Forget movies like Jaws and Sharkando, and experience sharks in the wild where you can see for yourself their great beauty. When booking your shark trip, it’s natural to ask yourself if shark cage diving does anything to benefit the sharks?  First and foremost, shark cage diving brings a significant amount of awareness of sharks and their plight. Many sharks are listed as endangered due to overfishing and other reasons, all by the hand of humans. Consequently, it’s humans that we need

The Dissonant Chord: Zahara in a Stir of Health and Finance

Zahara, a beloved South African vocalist, is facing health and financial issues that have left her in a difficult situation. She has been battling serious health conditions and needs more funds for tests before she can be added to the waiting list for a liver transplant. Unfortunately, her family is financially crippled and rumors surfaced that her sisters were misusing her funds for their own shopping sprees. Despite the difficulties, her fans eagerly await her return to the stage.

Jacaranda FM: An Entertainment Hub and Advocate for Food Safety

Jacaranda FM is a popular radio station in South Africa that offers a mix of English and Afrikaans content. Beyond entertainment, the station is committed to advocating for food safety, upholding regulations, and promoting responsible practices. It engages listeners through social media and online streaming, adapting to the digital age while remaining anchored in the community it serves. As a dynamic media giant, Jacaranda FM continues to evolve and grow, offering a comprehensive approach to addressing the daily complexities of its listeners’ lives.