MAILE TIGHTENS THE SCREWS ON SCHOOL DISCIPLINE

By KOPANO MONAHENG

INDEED, it takes a village to raise a child. That message rang loud and clear when Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, took office in April this year.

Since then, Maile has wasted little time in tackling indiscipline and other challenges facing schools across the province. So far, more than 17 schools have been searched in operations involving police, security personnel, and other law-enforcement agencies.

The latest searches, conducted on Wednesday, 26 August, targeted Baleseng Junior Secondary School, Tiyelelani Secondary School, Ngaka Maseko Secondary School, Holy Trinity Secondary School and FR Smangaliso Mkhathwa Secondary School.

And what was uncovered paints a worrying picture. Authorities found nyaope, abortion pills and a substantial amount of dagga at the schools. A large quantity of dagga was allegedly found in the possession of a female learner, raising concerns that it may have been intended for distribution.

In a separate incident, a learner found with small packets of dagga reportedly told authorities that he had been recruited by a local drug dealer to sell the substance.For Maile, the fight to restore discipline cannot be left to schools alone.

“It takes a village to raise a child. Schools cannot confront these challenges alone. Parents, communities, law enforcement agencies, School Governing Bodies and government must work together to protect our children and ensure that schools remain safe and conducive environments for learning,” Maile said.

He said learners who break the rules and teachers who fail to carry out their duties will be dealt with decisively. The MEC is now calling on parents and communities to step up and play their part.

Keeping schools safe is everyone’s responsibility, this according to Maile. He said when the village stands together, the children stand a better chance of succeeding academically.