The IFP in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature says the safety of teachers and learners is non-negotiable and calls on the KZN Department of Education to beef up security in schools.
This follows an incident last week, where bullets and a note threatening educators were allegedly found at Mangeni Secondary School in Nquthu, KwaHlazakazi.
These kind of threats cannot be taken lightly.
Potential attacks and death threats towards staff and students at learning institutions render the learning environment insecure, and discourage parents from sending their children to school, while the learners and teachers themselves become fearful of attending school.
As the IFP, we believe that the KZN Department of Education was caught asleep at the wheel following this incident. They have now announced that one security guard will be dispatched at night to the school. This is not enough. Further, what will happen during the day to secure learners and staff?
As the IFP we have been calling – and will continue to call – for metal detectors, cameras and strict security measures in all schools, to ensure that no person gaining access to a school is carrying any dangerous weapons.
Therefore, the IFP demands answers on the following:
- How many security guards are employed at Mangeni Secondary School in Nquthu?
- How many schools in KwaZulu-Natal are without security guards?
- How much has been spent over the past three years to upgrade security in schools in KwaZulu-Natal?
- How much is the total budget allocated to improve security in schools?
- Why have metal detectors and CCTV cameras not been installed in schools?
- How many teachers and learners have been killed inside school premises due to lack of safety in schools over the past three years?
- How many learners have been arrested for bringing dangerous weapons to schools over the past three years?
All these questions must be answered by the KZN MEC for Education, Mbali Frazer, in her capacity as political head of the Department. The question of cost for the metal detectors, as well as the roll-out, which could include training of personnel, may arise. However, one cannot put a price on the lives and the safety of the students and staff.
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Contact
Mrs Thembeni Madlopha-mthethwa MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Education
071 884 3844/ 079 1143015
