The group said such measures do not address the root causes of the problem.
The call comes after eight learners from Milnerton High School in Cape Town, in the country’s Western Cape province, were suspended following a violent bullying incident last week. A video circulating on social media shows one learner being assaulted by a group of boys using objects such as hockey sticks.
Equal Education Deputy Secretary-General, Nontsikelelo Dlulani, said that while disciplinary action is necessary, greater emphasis should be placed on psycho-social support and prevention.
“Beyond providing adequate psycho-social support for learners in schools, it’s important to ensure that School Governing Body members and school safety committees are properly trained to play their role,” Dlulani said.
“We do not support the criminalisation of learners. Action should be guided by school policies, while existing structures must be active in responding to incidents and supporting learners to prevent them from happening again.”
Dlulani added that schools should foster environments where learners feel safe and supported, warning that punitive approaches could worsen behavioural issues rather than resolve them.
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
