Rising School Violence in South Africa: Urgent Call to Protect Teachers and Learners

Alarming Surge in Violence Against Teachers in South African Schools

School violence in South Africa is reaching disturbing levels, with recent incidents highlighting the growing threat faced by educators in the classroom. In separate shocking attacks, two teachers were stabbed by learners—one in Johannesburg and another in the Free State—raising national concern about safety in educational institutions.

Teacher Stabbed by Grade 8 Learner in Randburg

The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed a distressing case where a Grade 8 learner at Hoërskool Die Burger in Randburg stabbed a teacher. The incident has sent shockwaves through the education community and reignited debates around school safety.

The student was immediately apprehended following the assault. Authorities, including the police and the school’s governing body (SGB), have launched a full investigation. According to Department spokesperson Steve Mabona, a police case has been opened, and disciplinary proceedings are underway.

The injured teacher is currently recovering at home while on leave. The learner is expected to face a seven-day suspension, pending a disciplinary hearing to determine further action.

Another Violent Attack at Kgabareng Secondary in the Free State

In a separate and equally disturbing event, a 21-year-old Grade 10 learner at Kgabareng Secondary School in Viljoenskroon, Free State, allegedly stabbed a teacher after being reprimanded for arriving late.

This attack sparked outrage, particularly as the victim is a senior member of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu), serving as Regional Secretary in the Northern Region. The union has strongly condemned the violence and is calling for immediate measures to safeguard educators.

Root Causes of School Violence: A Breakdown in Discipline and Parenting

Commenting on the disturbing trend, Steve Mabona highlighted a fundamental issue: the lack of discipline at home. “We have a parenting problem. Looking at the number of incidents in the country, we have a challenge. These children come from society, and if they are not disciplined at home, they will be ill-disciplined at school,” he stated.

The Gauteng Education Department emphasized that while schools have clear codes of conduct, parental involvement remains critical. Discipline cannot be the sole responsibility of educators or governing bodies—families must also play an active role in shaping respectful behavior.

Support Structures and the Role of the SGB

In response to the trauma experienced by both staff and learners, the department has activated support mechanisms. “We have an employee wellness programme supporting all our staff,” Mabona said. “We are also sending psychosocial support teams to assist learners affected by the incidents.”

Mabona also underscored the importance of the School Governing Body (SGB) in maintaining order. The SGB is tasked with overseeing school governance, backing school management teams, and supporting teachers in disciplinary matters. However, their effectiveness relies heavily on community and parental cooperation.

Violence in Schools: A National Crisis in Need of Urgent Action

The rise in violent behavior within schools is not isolated to these two cases. Across South Africa, educators increasingly face threats to their safety, eroding the integrity of the learning environment.

Education stakeholders warn that unless decisive steps are taken—such as reinforcing discipline, engaging parents, and investing in school security—teachers will continue to work in fear, and learners will suffer the long-term consequences of a toxic educational climate.

What Needs to Be Done: Solutions to Curb School-Based Violence

Addressing school violence in South Africa requires a multi-pronged approach that includes:

• Strengthening school discipline policies
  Schools must enforce existing codes of conduct consistently while ensuring fair disciplinary hearings for learners.
• Parental education and involvement
  Parents need to be empowered and held accountable for their children’s behavior. Workshops and school meetings should encourage active parental participation.
• Mental health and support services
  Investing in psychological support for both learners and teachers is vital. Trauma-informed care should become a standard offering in high-risk schools.
• Improved security measures
  Schools in high-crime areas should have trained security personnel, controlled access points, and surveillance where appropriate.
• Legislative and community partnerships
  Government, civil society, and educational unions must collaborate to push for policies that protect educators and promote safe learning environments.

Conclusion: Protecting the Future of Education

The increasing violence against teachers in South African schools is a crisis that demands immediate attention. Educators cannot be expected to teach under the threat of physical harm, and learners deserve a safe environment in which to grow and thrive.

Safeguarding schools must become a national priority—one that involves not only educators and government departments but also parents, communities, and law enforcement. Only through collective effort can South Africa restore safety, respect, and dignity to its classrooms.