Statement by Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore to the SA Human Rights Commission Public Hearings on School-based Violence

It is not only external threats, which result in school- based violence, but the attitude and behaviour of our learners and educators as well. So said Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore in a statement this morning during the SA Human Rights Commission’s (SAHRC) public hearings on school-based violence.

The hearing, which kicked off yesterday and ends today, is taking place in Cape Town. MEC Dugmore thanked the SAHRC firstly for deciding to convene the public hearings and secondly, for doing so in Cape Town.

He said this was a critical matter for the province as the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) seeks to implement its core mandate, which was to deliver the National Curriculum Statement and build human capital.

He said since the initiation of the WCED'S Safe Schools Programme in 1997, schools generally offer safer environments against outside threats.

"Of great concern however is the fact that some learners at school are either members of, or are influenced by gangs who see schools as a base for recruitment and distribution of drugs. This has resulted in violent attacks on fellow learners and the intimidation of teachers."

MEC Dugmore said crime, family violence, gangsterism, poverty, substance abuse, racism and sexism influence the psyche of young people, which in turn impact on behaviour in the school and classroom.

Said MEC: "School-based violence has the potential to infringe on the rights of learners, but it also negatively impacts on our ability to deliver on our education mandate."

"It is for this reason that the Social Cluster of the Provincial Cabinet has decided that School Safety is our number one priority. Only an integrated, co-ordinated and holistic response will yield results.

"This decision resulted in an additional allocation to Community Safety in this financial year, which saw the deployment of Bambanani School Safety Volunteers to 100 schools in the metropolitan area of Cape Town.

"An impression is often created in the manner in which school-based violence is reported on that government only responds to crises. This is far from the truth. In fact, we have an integrated Prevention, Crime Control, Intervention and Response Strategy."

For enquiries, contact Gert Witbooi:  082 550 3938, or gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za.